Advent
November 23, 2015

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

People seem to not care about promises anymore or even telling the truth. I am tired of hearing leaders, political or otherwise, explaining away the falsehoods they spread to make themselves seem different, stronger, better than then really are. And what is in a politician’s promise anyway? The temptation is to not trust anyone or expect anything from anyone no matter what they say. Does that mean we also take the promises of God lightly too?

It is my experience that what God says God does. It may take more time than my patience allows, but at some point, I see God in something when I least expect it. God was, of course, there all along. God keeps God’s promises.

I guess, the question, we must ponder is this: If God promised to execute justice and righteousness in the land, why are we all trembling in fear of standing against injustice when we see it?

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
   and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
   and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

But let justice roll down like waters,
   and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24

Prayer: Lord, as we enter this time of Advent where we remember the world before you came to us as God with us, renew and refresh our understanding of your purpose that is now our purpose. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.