Devotional - October 21, 2026

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:6   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.   

Today, we hear a few words from the young prophet Jeremiah.  We take a moment to ponder what he tells us.  The prophet tells us of One who will come to save them and will provide a safe place for them to live.  We know this Person is Jesus Christ.  Jeremiah repeats this promise again a few chapters later (33:16), but in making this great proclamation, he laments over the way Israel lives in the face of their God.  A God that loves them and seeks the best for them, as with us.  When reading the above verse and verses about Jesus, we need to be careful.  We do not want to interpret it as saying God's righteousness excuses our unrighteousness.  Jesus nullified living according to a bunch of does and don'ts.  He revealed again the God who was behind the Law.  The God they lost sight of due to their focus being on the current religious regime.  The Word of God (Jesus) provided them, and us, guidance so as to maintain one's relations with the Creator and their Redeemer.  I worry that some think of Jesus, as some think of secret handshakes or passwords.  If you say the right thing, or do this or that, you are in.  The doors of the Kingdom of God are opened for you, regardless of anything else.  Secret societies who have handshakes and passwords don't act like that, so why would one think God does?  Strive to know your Savior, and the Truth therein (John 14:6).  Knowing as you do, you are loved and understood (Hebrews 4:16).  You do not need to build your relationship with God on fear (1 John 4:18).  Instead, build confidently (2 Corinthians 5:7) and be a part of God's saving work through Christ here on earth.  When Jeremiah talked about God as being, God their Righteousness (YHWH Tsidkenu), he meant that God would establish a place of righteousness that they would uphold.  God established that righteousness in Jesus Christ.

Pray with me..., Holy God, we know at times we think we can take advantage of You and Your grace.  Help us to see a better way.  Hear us, as we pray for our loved ones.  Bless them we pray, in accordance with their needs.  We ask that You would bless our church.  Guide us, O God, that we may be the people You call us to be, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.   

God's peace,

Pastor Brian