THE LORD IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jer 23:6)

📖Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 (R.v.7); Matt 1:18-24

As we said at the beginning of Advent, most of the readings we shall be taking from now till the Christmas eve shall be preparing us principally for the immediate celebration of Christmas. Today, there is a reassurance given to those who are hoping for divine intervention in their life situations at the coming of the saviour.

According to the psalmist, “In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace forever” (Ps 72:7). That’s why Herod was uncomfortable when the prophecy was about to be fulfilled. Darkness and light does not meet. When light comes, darkness gives way.

The prophet Jeremiah was in Jer 23 speaking to a people who no longer found meaning in God and in their religious worship because evil kings have been misleading them. So after his oracles against the kings (Jer 22:10-30), Jeremiah gave the people a message of hope that God is going to raise a new king from the house of David who will lead the people in wisdom, justice and righteousness (Jer 23:5).

In the account of Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 1:18-25), Joseph took a central place to give Jesus the legal backing as the Son of David, who is to “save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21).

Are you also waiting for the Lord’s coming? Are you waiting for him in righteousness? Are you ready to let go of any deal of darkness?

May the Lord give you the grace to uphold righteousness and shun darkness in this period and beyond. May he also give you hope when things seem not to be falling into their rightful places in your life. Amen.

Have a hopeful and grace-filled day. It is well with you.