God, The Promise Keeper
Scripture — Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NRSV)
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 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. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
Focus
When we’re overwhelmed by sadness, fear, and anxiety because of the disruption and desolation around us, we can place our hope in our God who keeps promises.
Devotion
It can be tough to long for goodness in seasons of desolation. Whether we’ve lost our job, are desperately looking for a new one, or grieving the losses that come with major changes at work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by sadness, fear, and anxiety. In seasons of darkness, it can be challenging to find the light.
After the people of God witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and many of them had been carried off into exile, everything seemed lost. They had felt the scorn of God’s wrath. Their city on a hill had been reduced to rubble. Their towns had been deserted, and the sounds of joy and gladness no longer resounded in their streets (Jeremiah 33:11). It seemed they were without hope.
But God showed them immeasurable grace. On the heels of telling Jeremiah, “…I have hidden my face from this city because of all their wickedness” (Jeremiah 33:5, NRSV), God spoke this promise: “I am going to bring it recovery and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security” (Jeremiah 33:6, NRSV).
In our passage for today, we find out how God would inaugurate this peace: through a righteous king who would come through David’s line. This king would not be like those who had come before him–those who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. This coming king would be different.
God told Jeremiah that this coming king would be the fulfillment of “the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 33:14). God had made a covenant with David, and God intended to uphold it. Despite all of the Israelites’ idolatry and wickedness, God would redeem and restore them. God would heal and renew their land. Desolation and despair would be replaced by prosperity and peace (Jeremiah 33:9).
The promise of Jesus’ coming fueled the hope of the ancients. Now, Jesus is present with us by the Holy Spirit. Before he died, Jesus promised his disciples that he would send an advocate who would help us and be with us forever (John 14:16). This wise helper accompanies us in the most difficult days of our life, work, and leadership—reminding us of God’s faithfulness, guiding us into truth, and encouraging us deep within our hearts.
The Apostle Paul tells us that the Spirit is “a deposit”—a promise of all the good, holy, and restorative work yet to come (2 Corinthians 5:5). Our anticipation of Jesus’ second coming fuels our hope today. Jesus will come in the midst of the disruption and destruction around us and make all things new. We have hope because God keeps promises.
Reflect
What types of situations or seasons make it difficult for you to remember God’s goodness?
In what area(s) of your life, work, and leadership do you need to remember that God keeps promises?
Where are you hoping to see God’s redeeming, renewing, and restoring work in your life, work, and leadership?
Act
Make a list of 3-5 times in your life when you’ve experienced God’s redeeming, renewing, and restoring work. Consider how God’s past faithfulness contributes to your sense of hopefulness today.
Pray
Loving God,
You are a promise keeper. You keep your promises because of your steadfast love and boundless grace, not because of anything I have done.
Remind me of your faithfulness to God’s people throughout history. Call to mind moments you have been faithful to me. Help me to anchor my hope not only in your past faithfulness but also in your promise that Christ will come again to make all things new.
In the name of Jesus, my righteous savior. Amen.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: The Goodness of Work Restored (Jeremiah 30-33).
Meryl Herr
Director of Research and Resources
Dr. Meryl Herr is the Director of Research and Resources at the Max De Pree Center for Leadership where she designs and conducts research studies that add to the understanding of what helps marketplace leaders flourish. She also oversees the team’s efforts to convert research findings into r...