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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