Through Prophets' Eyes: Branch of David | Jeremiah 33:14-16

The prophet Jeremiah lived and worked during some of the most tumultuous times of Israel’s history. During this time the ancient Near East experienced nearly constant upheavals. Babylon conquered Assyria and defeated Egypt in battle. Then Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 587 BC and exiled large numbers of people. Some historians believe that the population of Jerusalem and the surrounding villages declined by nearly 90% during this time.

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Long gone was the thriving kingdom under King David. Lost was the hope of a future. But in 2 Chronicles 7 God had made a covenant with King David:

When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever…And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.  

Despite their current circumstances - a conquered city, a demolished temple, and an exiled leadership - the Prophet Jeremiah envisions a bright future. A future where God makes good on His promises:

Behold, the days are coming, declares 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 dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness. (Jeremiah 33:14-16)

This Branch has sprung up in Jesus, the heir to the Davidic throne. God’s justice was executed when Jesus took our sins upon Himself. God’s righteousness was delivered when we received Christ’s own righteousness. Salvation, peace, and security are ours because Jesus has defeated our last enemy - sin and death.

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All of this is ours today. Yet we are Advent people who continue to wait for Christ’s second Advent - that day when His Justice, Righteousness and Peace are all finally and fully ours forever.

In Christ,

Pastor Nick