Contemplative Bible Reading

Jeremiah 33:15-16 (New Living Translation)

15 “In those days and at that time
I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line.
He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
16 In that day Judah will be saved,
and Jerusalem will live in safety.
And this will be its name:
‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’

The prophet Jeremiah is passing along a message from God to the people. In the future, there will be a new ruler. The people will be saved. Great news. Economic prosperity. Peace. Well peace is promised. Economic prosperity isn’t (so much for “It’s the economy, stupid.”)

And what will the new ruler do? The new ruler will do what is just and right. The new ruler will bring justice and righteousness according to the words of God. We are big on “justice” in today’s America, but not so much on “righteousness,” but that is another book to write on another day.

This is a theme in the Bible. What matters is justice and righteousness. God tells me what is right and wrong. Follow the “right” that God tells me. Apply the “right” to others. Expect others to apply the “right” to me.

Salvation and safety will be the result. Simple? Yes. Easy? No. Common practice? Uh, definitely NO.

Still, this is how God describes life here on earth. Let us all strive towards that description. As we stumble and fall, let’s stand again and keep striving. God forgives and helps me along the way. And for that, I am grateful.