Day 10

Read: 

Jeremiah 23:5-6

Dig Deeper:

After returning from exile in Babylon, the Israelites receive this word from the Lord, a word that promises redemption, restoration, and hope. The Lord promises to send a righteous ruler from the line of David, the most esteemed king Israel had yet seen.

And not only that, but his name would be "the Lord is our righteousness." This statement wasn't just a cool nickname. In declaring this, the Prophet Jeremiah was shifting the narrative of who this king would be. This king wouldn't just be an earthly ruler of the nation of Israel, he would also bring right standing between God and man. Somehow, someway, this king would bring about a type of peace that hadn't been seen since the Garden of Eden, and man would be free from sin. This king wouldn't just have rule on earth; he would also have some kind of cosmic authority as well.

Standing on this side of history, we know that the first earthly crown that that king would wear would be one of thorns right before he was put to death on a cross. And yet, because of that cross, he would pay the price for the sins of the world, and in so doing, put those who accept his gift in right standing with God, just like the prophecy of Jeremiah says.

Not a single person can say that they are perfect, without sin, which is why each of us is in desperate need of that promised righteousness. And, through Jesus standing in the gap for each of us, our sins are forgiven, covered by Christ the Lord who is our righteousness.

Declaration: Say this next statement out loud as a declaration of what you have learned today.

I am free, forgiven, and justified in Christ.

Pray:

God, You sent your only son to Earth to die for my sins, making me right with You. Thank you for that. I pray that You would help me to live in such a way that honors the gift that You have freely given me. Help me to live according to your word, and help me to walk tall as someone who is free. Thank You. Amen.