“The LORD Our Justice: An Advent Reflection on Hope and Restoration”
Scripture Passage
Jer 23:5-8
Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: “The LORD our justice.” Therefore, the days will come, says the LORD, when they shall no longer say, “As the LORD lives, who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt”; but rather, “As the LORD lives,
who brought the descendants of the house of Israel up from the land of the north”–and from all the lands to which I banished them; they shall again live on their own land.
Grace Prayed For
Grace of Longing: The prophet’s words stir a longing for the “righteous shoot to David” who will establish God’s reign. Pray for the grace to cultivate a deep longing for Jesus, a desire for His presence in your life and in the world. Ask to be filled with anticipation for His coming.
Reflection
This Advent, the prophet Jeremiah’s words echo with hope and anticipation, painting a vivid picture of restoration and renewal. It speaks of a future king, a “righteous shoot to David,” who will reign with wisdom, justice, and righteousness. This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the Messiah, the true King of Israel.
As we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Trinitarian God, this passage illuminates several key themes:
1. The Promise of Salvation: Jeremiah proclaims, “In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security.” This promise of salvation resonates deeply in Advent. We recall God’s faithfulness to His people throughout history, culminating in the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world. His coming brings not just physical security, but also spiritual liberation from the bondage of sin and death.
2. The Reign of Justice: The coming king will “do what is just and right in the land.” This speaks to the deep longing for justice that resides in the human heart. Advent reminds us that God is not indifferent to suffering and injustice. In Jesus, He establishes His kingdom of righteousness and peace, offering hope to all who yearn for a world where justice prevails.
3. The Name of the Lord: The Messiah will be called “The LORD our justice.” This name reveals the very nature of God. He is not only just, but He is the source of all justice. In Jesus, we see the perfect embodiment of God’s justice and righteousness. He is the one who reconciles us to God and makes us truly righteous in His sight.
4. The Gathering of the Exiles: Jeremiah prophesies that God will gather His people from all the lands where they have been scattered. This speaks to the universal reach of God’s salvation. In Jesus, the walls of division are broken down, and all people are invited to become part of His kingdom. Advent reminds us that we are all exiles, longing for our true home in God. Jesus is the way that leads us back to the Father.
5. The New Covenant: The passage hints at a new covenant, where God’s saving action surpasses even the Exodus from Egypt. This new covenant is established in Jesus’ blood, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe. Advent celebrates the fulfillment of this promise, as God draws near to humanity in a new and intimate way.
This Advent, let us meditate on these words of Jeremiah. Let us allow the hope of the coming king to fill our hearts with joy and anticipation. Let us pray for the grace to embrace His reign of justice and peace. And may the coming of our Trinitarian God bring healing and restoration to our world.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Experiencing God’s Gathering Love: Jeremiah speaks of God gathering His people from exile. This reminds us that Jesus came to gather all people to Himself, breaking down barriers and creating a new community of faith. As we experience this gathering love, we can feel more connected to Jesus and to the wider Body of Christ.
Daily Scripture Reflection
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post