The Lord our Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:5-6
Thursday — December 8th
I watched a documentary some time ago about the topography of Afghanistan . I thought Afghanistan was mountains and desert , but the documentary showed me valleys , rivers , plains , and exquisite natural beauty . It showed me a nation that looked a lot like our homeland . Sadly , though , Afghanistan is a war-torn nation . That beautiful land is razed , destroyed , and littered with mines . The point of the documentary is that if Afghanistan could have peace and order – their natural beauty would be showcased and they would become a tourist spot ! Would you visit Afghanistan for your next family vacation ?
The documentary was produced around 2014 when , for the first time in Afghanistan ’ s history , power was transferred between two democratically elected men . There was promise of a new leader ushering in new prosperity for a war-torn land . There was hope that the new leader would rule wisely , bring safety , and restore prosperity . You should have heard how the documentary described the hope they had for their coming ruler !
Read again Jeremiah 23:5-6 and listen how the Prophet Jeremiah describes our coming King . Oh , the hope Christians have in our new King ! We also live in a war-torn land filled with sin , strife , disease , and death . The glitz and glamor of this season cannot hide the spiritual hurt and sadness present in the hearts and lives of so many .
But our King comes ! He is the LORD Our Righteousness ! He comes not to bring earthly prosperity , safety , and rule , but righteousness that is ours by faith . He brings safety in His arms by faith and salvation for eternity by faith . This Advent season , we wait for our coming Lord who brings us His righteousness . What comfort !
Whether you live in Afghanistan or America , our rulers do not meet our hopes . But our Savior does . God the Father raised up this Righteous Branch , this Savior-King , who brings safety and security through the righteousness He provides .
PRAYER :
Heavenly Father , thank you for bringing us comfort through your Word . Lead us to praise you for the gifts of righteousness , safety , and security you bring us each and every day . In your name we pray .
ACTIVITY :
Taking a spare sheet of paper , have the participant ( s ) draw what they imagine Afghanistan to look like on one half of the paper . On the other half , draw the safety / security we have by faith . Compare .
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