Advent Day 3

Waiting...
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5-6 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.”
Devotional: Roughly one hundred years after Micah prophesied the Messiah coming out of Bethlehem, we see these words from the prophet Jeremiah. He reminds the people of God that the Messiah would come from the line of David, and salvation is proclaimed both in His Name and in the proclamation of what He would do. Throughout their history, Israel would need saving from its enemies.
It’s not hard to imagine when considering the warfare and conquering this kingdom endured, that they would greatly anticipate this coming king. But can’t you also imagine them growing weary in waiting and wavering in their faith? Indeed they did, many walking away from the God who had set them apart and delivered them time after time over the centuries.
But God remained faithful to His promise. And salvation would still come, though perhaps not as they had imagined.
Reflect:
- In what ways have you been waiting for God in your own life? Are you tempted to waver in your faith when He doesn’t answer as you would have Him to, or in your timing?
- Be reminded today that “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8) And trust that His ways ultimately are for your good.