#DailyDevotion Jesus Is The Branch, The Lord Our Righteousness
November 17
Jer 33:1–22
Jer 33:14-16 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. (15) In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. (16) In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’
Once again the Lord brings us the Branch who shall be called, “The Lord is our righteousness.” This is none other than Jesus. It is written, Isa 11:10 “In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.” So St. Paul writes, Rom 15:12 “And again Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.’” And again, Isa 11:1 “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” Jesus is the root of Jesse and the shoot from Jesse’s stump. He is the origin of Jesse being his Creator, the God who formed him. He is the shoot of Jesse because he takes on Jesse’s flesh in Mary and restores the throne to David, taking his seat at the right hand of God.
Jesus executed justice and righteousness in the land. He goes to John the Baptist, an innocent lamb, and John protest. But Jesus tells John, Mat 3:15 “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” From there Jesus goes to the cross as Isaac, the child of promise and as the substitute ram, to be the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the Jews, indeed for the sins of the world. Jesus as our high priest has poured out his blood on the mercies seat of God in the heavenly Holy of Holies once and for all, for all.
Because of this Jesus has become our righteousness. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians Jesus has become our wisdom, righteousness, and redemption. By faith in Christ, we obtain the righteousness of God. Through being baptized into his name, we become his children and expand the fold of Abraham’s and David’s family. Each one of us becomes an heir of Christ and an heir of God through faith and baptism. So in Jesus this prophesy is fulfilled.
Lord God, heavenly Father, with Jesus at your right hand, ever interceding for us, ever grant us faith that we may submit ourselves to him and through him receive your righteousness, so we may stand before your throne on the day of your revelation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.