G. Archer Frierson
Chair, Austin Seminary Board of Trustees
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Advent Devotional for December 2
• Jeremiah 33:14-16
This year Jeremiah gives us the first words of Advent. These words ring out unequivocally, announcing God’s unshakable intentions. They are all the more remarkable because they proclaim salvation in the midst of devastation. Though these verses are part of the section known as the Book of Comfort, their immediate context is the impending dire event—a superpower enemy is at the gate. Jerusalem’s destruction is inevitable: a city destroyed, a temple burned, a people violated and exiled. Jeremiah’s verses of hope are staunch declarations of God’s intention to save.
Earlier Jeremiah’s own land purchase signaled his trust in God—buying land despite impending invasions (32:15)! But today’s verses announce something greater: God’s promise to restore the Davidic line, “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” (33:14-15).
This is remarkable news. The current kings failed to implement God’s ways. Now God declares a revived monarchy, a righteous Branch who will order and sustain the conditions that unite the peoples, restore their land, and prosper their lives. This is God’s righteousness, right ordering for the flourishing of all life.
Advent is the church’s expectant season. It is the season of our suspended longing, longing for this right order, for God’s rescue and safety for all creation. These early days of Advent immerse us in scriptural visions of what will be, while the latter days of Advent bring us, again, to the birth of Jesus Christ, the righteous Branch made flesh in our midst. We know all righteousness is already fulfilled in this child-King and yet we wait and pray and work, longing for the days when all will live as this King intends.
Come, Lord Jesus, the Righteous Branch of Israel. Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Jennifer Lordy
The Dorothy B. Vickery Professor of Homiletics and Liturgical Studies
For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.We hope that you are preparing the way for the Lord in your life as you read these meditations and prayers. And, we hope this Advent season is a meaningful one for you. Please know that Austin Seminary’s dedicated, diverse, and loving community of faith is not complete without you. Did you know?
• Students in our masters-degree programs receive up to 85% need-based tuition aid.
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