Advent Devotional for November 30

November 30, 2010, First Tuesday of Advent

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16

The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them. In those days and at that time I will raise up a righteous descendent of King David’s line. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. In that day Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this will be its name: “The Lord is our Righteousness.”

It’s difficult, today, to find things to be excited about. We live in difficult times.

Unemployment in Kentucky is 9.8 percent. Nationally, unemployment is 9.6 percent. Inflation is up. Hostilities are picking up between North and South Korea. We are still at war in Afghanistan and Iraq.

When we think about all of that, it’s understandable if we think times are difficult.

The people of Israel faced difficult times as well when Jeremiah spoke to them here in Chapter 33. The Babylonians are marching toward Jerusalem. It is only a matter of time before Jerusalem falls and the people of Israel sent into exile. These are dark and gloomy times for the people of Israel, just as they are for many of us who are struggling in this economy and global climate.

Jeremiah offers hope to the people of Israel and offers us hope today. The Messiah is coming. He will bring justice. The Messiah will be about righteousness. Jerusalem will be saved. These words of promise comes with the joy of knowing that today is not the final story; a better day is coming. The Lord is coming. Be expectant of the better day, the Lord is coming.

In our day of economic recessions, wars, and rumors of wars live in expectation of a better day, the Lord is coming. May that promise bring you peace and hope of a better tomorrow as we live in the midst of today.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Lord, We live in a dark and difficult time. We can relate to the people of Israel. While we may not have invaders at our door, we live in the midst of economic troubles, financial hardships, and brokenness all around us. We live with the hope of our return. The promise of a better tomorrow. Guide our hearts, this day, that we may live a life of expectation. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.