To appreciate the Advent message, it’s helpful to have a backstory on Jeremiah, as well as a look back at the time when he proclaimed this prophecy. Jeremiah was the prophet used by God to warn the people of the fall and destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah found himself imprisoned for his prophecies of doom. Finally, God gave him this message, holding a promise of hope.
No matter how far the people had strayed and hurt God with their indifference and worship of false idols, God promised them a deliverer. God would not abandon his people forever. As Christians, we recognize Jesus as the one who fulfills this prophecy, saving and redeeming the people.
There is a clue here about who this promised rescuer will be. Be watching for a “righteous descendant” of David. Unfortunately, the word “righteous” gets bantered around these days, losing the meaning or significance the Bible intends. Simply put, righteousness means “being right with God.” Jesus certainly fit that description.
Just to be clear, righteousness isn’t something we accomplish on our own. No amount of “doing good” will make us righteous or right with God. It’s up to God. Romans 3:22 tells us what our part is, saying, “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.”
Jeremiah’s words of hope would have been welcome amid the chaos happening in those days. Jeremiah’s audience had been dragged into exile by the Babylonians. The captivity Jeremiah spoke of was about six hundred years before Jesus was born. The hopeful waiting for their deliverer had begun.
Waiting can be hard. Whether it’s waiting for a stoplight or waiting over the weekend to receive test results. Maybe it’s waiting for nine months to meet your child or grandchild. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, in our own “exile” of sorts, we can cling to the hope of heaven. Waiting for Jesus’ return is difficult for us, but Jeremiah was speaking to those now anxiously awaiting their first meeting with Jesus.
Advent is the perfect time to reflect on what we are doing while in this waiting pattern. If Jesus were to return tomorrow, would you be ready? Would all your loved ones be secure? Pray for those who don’t know Jesus yet, that he will reveal Himself to them. Then, focus on your own relationship with Jesus so you can help others find Jesus.
Rest in the promises of our righteous King Jesus. In John 14:2-3, Jesus speaks of the place he is preparing for us. “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” This is our hope of heaven, to be with Jesus forever.
Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you today yearning to be closer to you. Help me shut out all the ugliness of the world so I can truly focus on you and your goodness. May your peace and mercy wash over me and give me a new sense of joy. Help me stay truly expectant as I wait for your second coming. Lord, I want my heart to be ready. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
