November 26th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Jeremiah 33:14-16
The Righteous Branch and the Covenant with David

 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill 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.’

Reflection
"I miss her." Words spoken about Arlene Klafter that I heard yesterday. Good memories of a wonderful lady that had stuck in the mind.

Along with memories we live with the hope of the future. The passage today has a look back and a look forward. Thinking of King David and how powerful Israel was at his time and comparing this to living in the exile of Babylon; Jeremiah looks to the future.

When we are in a "pinch" we seem to look forward to the future. If we didn't look forward we would dwell on the present and become stuck on ourselves and the present situation. We can look back to see where we have been and learn from our past. We can consider our present situation, but we also must look forward in the hope of salvation. I think this is the message God was giving Jeremiah at the time. A Word of hope at a time of despair. God promises a Branch from David that will execute justice and righteousness... Jesus the Messiah.

Righteousness is something always attributed to the Messiah. And the people of God are the recipients of this righteousness. What a wonderful promise. What a wonderful and loving God. A God that speaks and promises that awesome Light of hope while we are in the midst of separation and despair. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I look forward to Jesus' coming into this world. May your kingdom come as always... in the past with Jesus walk on this earth... in the present with Jesus place in my heart... and in the future when Jesus returns. You are my promise and my King... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen