December 5th

December 5: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Jeremiah 33:14-16  (NIV)

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.

“‘In those days and at that time

   I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;

   he will do what is just and right in the land.

In those days Judah will be saved

   and Jerusalem will live in safety.

This is the name by which it will be called:

   The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’

Reflection

Jeremiah speaks of a day when out of David’s line, a new King will be born. David was the great king of Israel. He was the king every other king was measured against. He was such a great king that God promised to preserve his kingdom forever. This meant that even after Israel's kings were all destroyed and overtaken by conquering empires, the people of Israel waited for God to keep His promise—to restore the kingdom. Jeremiah is talking about this promise and declares that a day is coming when the King will be reinstated and will establish a Kingdom that is right and just.

Christians believe Jesus is that King. And through the teachings of Jesus, we can read about the kind of Kingdom Jesus came to bring. It’s a Kingdom so beautiful that someone would sell all they have to acquire it (Matt. 13:44). It’s a Kingdom that makes room for the lost and the hurting, inviting the stranger and wanderer in (Luke 14:13-23). It’s a Kingdom described as a table, where all are invited to sit and eat (Luke 14:15-24). Ultimately, it’s a Kingdom where Jesus is King. This means that Jesus is king over those who belong to the kingdom.

Is Jesus your King? If so, do your plans this Christmas reflect that? What area of your life do you need to surrender back to Jesus this Christmas?

Prayer

Jesus, King of Kings, thank you for welcoming us to your Kingdom. Help us to live as ones who serve you above all others.