The Lord Our Righteousness
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 33–34; Psalm 79; 2 John 1
August 24
The Lord Our Righteousness
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 33–34; Psalm 79; 2 John 1
Scripture Focus:
“This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” — Jeremiah 33:2–3 NLT
“I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion. Then this city will bring me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them.” — Jeremiah 33:8–9 NLT
“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. In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this will be its name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’” — Jeremiah 33:15–16 NLT
⸻
Reflection
1. God’s Character
The Lord begins by declaring who He is: the Maker of heaven and earth, the One who formed and established it (v.2). Before He speaks His promises, He anchors us in His identity. His unchanging character is the guarantee behind every word He speaks.
“I am the Lord, and I do not change.” — Malachi 3:6
(See also Hebrews 13:8)
2. God’s Invitation
In the middle of captivity and judgment, God extends an astonishing invitation: “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come” (v.3). He reminds His people that even in their darkest days, He is ready to reveal His heart to those who seek Him.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” — James 1:5
(See also Jeremiah 29:12–13; Matthew 7:7)
Darkness is not the end—it’s the backdrop against which His light shines brighter.
3. God’s Promises
What follows are breathtaking promises: forgiveness of sins, cleansing from rebellion, restoration of joy, peace, and prosperity (vv.8–11). Once again, voices of thanksgiving will echo through the land. This anticipates the promise of the New Covenant:
“And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” — Hebrews 8:12
(See also Jeremiah 31:34)
Yet the greatest promise is a Person—the Righteous Branch from David’s line—the Messiah who will reign in righteousness forever (vv.14–17).
“He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” — Luke 1:32–33
(See also Romans 3:26)
4. Our Hope in Jesus
All these promises find their “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). In Him we are forgiven, made righteous, and given peace with God.
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21
(See also Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7)
He is “The Lord Our Righteousness”—the one who transforms our shame into joy and our despair into hope.
Hebrew Word Insights ✨
- “Ask” — קָרָא (qārāʾ) – v.3
- Literally means to call out, cry, or proclaim aloud.
- This isn’t a casual whisper—it’s an earnest reaching out to God with expectation. It carries the sense of summoning God’s response.
- Application: When God says “Ask me,” He’s inviting us into bold prayer, not timid questioning.
- “Remarkable secrets / great and hidden things” — בְּצֻרוֹת (bĕṣurôt) – v.3
- From a root meaning inaccessible, fortified, hidden away.
- These are truths we could never discover on our own—like treasures locked in a fortress, only revealed by God.
- Application: God holds wisdom beyond human reach. Only when we seek Him does He unlock these “fortified secrets.”
- “Cleanse” — טָהֵר (ṭāhēr) – v.8
- Means to purify, make clean, declare free from impurity. Used in temple rituals and atonement.
- This isn’t just wiping away dirt—it’s restoring someone to full holiness and fellowship with God.
- Application: Through Jesus, God doesn’t just cover sin; He makes us clean and whole.
- “Forgive” — סָלַח (sālaḥ) – v.8
- Root idea: to pardon, to lift away guilt.
- Unlike human forgiveness, this Hebrew word always points to divine forgiveness—something only God can do.
- Application: Every act of forgiveness in Christ is God lifting sin completely off our record.
- “Righteousness” — צֶדֶק (ṣedeq) – v.16
- Means justice, rightness, what conforms to God’s standard.
- The name given to the city: YHWH Tsidqēnû (יְהוָה צִדְקֵנוּ) — “The LORD Our Righteousness.”
- Application: This points directly to Jesus, who is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
- “Peace” — שָׁלוֹם (shalôm) – v.9, 11
- Not just absence of war, but wholeness, flourishing, prosperity, security, and restored relationship with God.
- Application: The peace God promises is not circumstantial—it’s the deep completeness we have in Christ.
Lesson for Me
My hope is not in my circumstances but in the unchanging promises of God fulfilled in Jesus. When I feel weighed down by sin, fear, or uncertainty, I must remember that He alone is my righteousness and my peace
(1 Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 1:20).
Application Questions
- How does remembering who God is strengthen my confidence in His promises? (Hebrews 6:18–19)
- In what areas of my life do I need to “ask Him” (Jeremiah 33:3) and seek His hidden wisdom? (James 1:5)
- Do I live daily as if Jesus truly is “The Lord My Righteousness”? What would change if I did? (Romans 13:14)
- How can I share the joy, peace, and forgiveness I’ve received in Christ with others this week? (Matthew 5:16)
Prayer 🙏
Lord, You are the Maker of heaven and earth, the One who speaks and it comes to pass. Thank You for inviting me to call on You and for revealing Your promises of forgiveness, peace, and restoration. Jesus, You are my righteousness—my only hope before a holy God. Help me to live each day clinging to Your promises, filled with joy and thanksgiving, and shining as a testimony of Your grace. Amen.
Sit Quietly Before the Lord & Journal ✍️
Take a few minutes to sit quietly in God’s presence. Reflect on the truth that Jesus is “The Lord Our Righteousness.” Ask Him to reveal areas of your life where you have been relying on your own efforts instead of His finished work. Journal what He speaks to your heart and any promises He brings to mind for your present season.