Topic: He Is Our Righteousness [Sunday May 28, 2017]
Text: Jeremiah 23:1-8
Key Verse: “In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6).
Man is faced with multiple and very complex spiritual problems. In a bid to seek solution to, and freedom from these problems, mankind has adopted different approaches which manifest in the different religions we have all over the world today. The religions reveal the depth of the spiritual hunger and longing of man. Unfortunately, these religions have proved to be incapable of solving man’s problems and giving him the peaceful repose he desires. With all the religious activities going on in different parts of the world, the sin problem with its attendant effects appear not to be abating. Rather, they are in a more terrifying increase.
These go to show that the world needs more than religions. They need Christ. In today’s passage, prophet Jeremiah laments the failure of the religious leaders of his days. The pastors, priests and Levites instead of serving the purpose for which they were appointed into the ministry, were busy serving their personal interests. The flocks over which they were appointed as Shepherds to oversee were left unattended to and exploited for their personal benefits.
These all together show in clear terms how the religious order of the day has failed to usher in true righteousness. It goes to prove how the Old Testament religious order and indeed, every form of religion today is incapable of solving the sin problem and drawing man closer to God. To remedy this, the Lord gives the prophetic promise of the coming of the Redeemer and Messiah – Jesus Christ, the Righteous Branch. He is the only Hope for the salvation and restoration of the nation of Israel and indeed, the whole world. He is to offer us His own righteousness which alone is acceptable before God. This promise was fulfilled when Jesus died on the cross. There, on that cruel tree, the great exchange took place. Jesus took upon Him the sin of the whole world and gave us His righteousness. This is why today, the Lord no longer demands religious observances from us but the righteousness which Christ imparts.
Thought for the day: We are made righteous in Him.
Bible Reading in one Year: Lamentations 1-3
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
