Twofold Question

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 33

Scripture Focus: I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David... David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel. (Jeremiah 33.15, 17)

Devotional Thought: On the eve of national collapse, God appeared to Jeremiah while he was in jail and assured himthat he would bring Jerusalem “health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security” (v. 6).  He would do that through…

·       A righteous Branch: Israel’s hope was found in the righteousness of God.  They knew that they had failed him too many times to count on their national righteousness.  God said, in effect, “That’s OK.  If you will only trust me, I will raise up a Branch of righteousness to be your salvation.”  Jewish theology was being distilled from the chosen people to a righteous remnant and finally to One whose righteousness would bring righteousness to all.  That’s why they said his name would be The Lord is our righteousness.

·       A man to sit on the throne: Not only was the Messiah the future of righteousness for God’s people, he also was the fulfillment of God’s promise to David to “never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel.”  The people of Jerusalem watched with horror and confusion as this promise seemingly crumbled before their eyes.  But, God’s plan was never to have an earthly king.  The perfect fulfillment was an eternal heavenly King: the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  Of course, this is Jesus.

The question before us all is twofold:

1)     Is the Lord my Righteousness?  Or, am I trying to justify myself before God?

2)     Is the Lord my King?  Yes, he is my Savior, but is he my Master?  Do I live to serve him or sin?  Is he seated upon the throne of my life?

Prayer: Jesus, you are the man who sits on the throne of David!  You rule over all the earth.  You alone are my Righteousness and my King.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.41-48

41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise;

42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.

44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever,

45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.

46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,

47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.

48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.