Jeremiah’s declaration of joyful expectations is delivered in a period of great distress. The besieged city of Jerusalem has been dismantled. Its inhabitants suffer in upheaval; those not living in captivity live in exile. Consider the gap between the reality of what is and the promise of what will be. Yet Jeremiah insists that God fulfills his promises. The branch of David serves as a symbol of the covenant promise: eternal kingship and God's love for us.

[Jeremiah 33.14-16]

14 “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.’

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why is this destruction happening?

+ How does God’s promise both convict and make new?

+ There may be a gap between what is and what we wish.

+ When God commands us to action, we must abide.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Where do I see society at odds with the divine version of righteousness?

+ Why is faithfulness critical?

+ What can I offer beyond monetary contributions?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can I invite to a Sunday gathering?

+ How can I inspire Godliness in others?

+ Consider how living a Godly life influences those around me.