1st Sunday Of Advent, Year C. Series

Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36.

A) THE GREAT REVERSAL.

Jeremiah 33:14-16.

In a double metaphor concerning gardening and building, the prophet Jeremiah was commissioned by the LORD not only ‘to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy and to throw down’ but also ‘to build and to plant’ (Jeremiah 1:10). There was certainly enough doom and gloom around for a ministry which spanned the turbulent years of the last five kings of Judah: but the weeping prophet also offered hope. The so-called Book of Consolation (Jeremiah 30-33) points us beyond judgment to restoration, beyond exile to return, beyond being cast out by God to being gathered in by God.

The “good thing” (Jeremiah 33:14) which the LORD had promised ties in with the earlier prophecy (Jeremiah 23:5-6) concerning a righteous Branch (the Phoenician and Ugaritic translations read ‘rightful’ here) emerging as King from the family tree of King David. This King symbolically reunites the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah (Jeremiah 33:14). At a time when it seemed that the kingdom of Judah was being cut to its very roots, there could be no greater reassurance (cf. Isaiah 11:1).

“In those days” (Jeremiah 33:15) brings to mind other, less hopeful, thoughts of the ‘day of the LORD’ (Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:15). Yet Jeremiah uses the image of a Branch growing out of a felled tree – which so wonderfully typifies God’s dealings with His people. Just when the tree of David seems to be left without hope, without offspring, this Branch emerges to establish justice and righteousness in the world (cf. Psalm 72:1-2).

Back in the days when there was no king in Israel, the LORD raised up judges, or saviours, to deliver the people from their oppressors (Judges 2:18). Now Jeremiah sees the rule of the Branch of righteousness in terms of salvation and safety (Jeremiah 33:16). Isaiah sees something of the universal scope of this reign, as the Gentiles flock to His flag (Isaiah 11:10): and the Apostle Paul sees this fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:8; Romans 15:12).

The name of the rightful king in Jeremiah’s earlier prophecy is ‘the LORD is our righteousness’ (Jeremiah 23:6). Here (Jeremiah 33:16) the name is appended to the LORD’s people, centred on Judah and Jerusalem. Out from Jerusalem flows the gospel, to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

As Christians, we also have the name of the Lord spoken over us. King David speaks of the blessedness of not having our sins imputed to us (Psalm 32:1-2). The Apostle Paul, in quoting David, shows the other side of this coin: we have the righteousness of Christ imputed to us (Romans 4:6-8).

B). TO YOU I LIFT MY SOUL.

Psalm 25:1-10.

This is a prayer for all seasons. A prayer of trust amid enemies (Psalm 25:2-3). A prayer for guidance in the perplexities of life (Psalm 25:4-5).

It is a prayer in celebration of God’s mercy and lovingkindness (Psalm 25:6). A prayer made in the consciousness of past sin (Psalm 25:7; cf. Psalm 25:11). A prayer confirming the goodness of the LORD (Psalm 25:8).

It is a prayer awaiting the teaching of His way (Psalm 25:8-9). “Way” speaks of Torah - but Torah points to Christ (cf. Luke 24:27). It is a prayer of trust in God’s covenant faithfulness (Psalm 25:10).

1. Affirming Trust.

As we enter this prayer, we first affirm our trust in the LORD (Psalm 25:1).

To the Israelites, the lifting of their hands in prayer (cf. 1 Timothy 2:8) was a gesture of dependence upon the LORD for the answer to that prayer. It indicated openness to God’s grace, willingness to obey His instructions, and submission to His leadership. Self is vanquished when we thus “lift our soul”, and affirm our trust in Him (Psalm 25:1-2a).

2. Justice.

Then we make our plea at the bar of God’s justice (Psalm 25:2-3).

The Psalmist’s plea not to be “put to shame” (Psalm 25:2) was not only personal, but also concerned the whole community of those who “wait” upon the LORD (Psalm 25:3). As such, it also concerned the honour of the God in whom we trust (cf. Joshua 7:8-9). The dependence and trust of the Psalmist is echoed in the expression, “for you are the God of my salvation: on you I wait all day long” (Psalm 25:5b).

3. Truth.

Next, we seek His guidance (Psalm 25:4-5).

To obey the LORD, we need to hear His instructions. Dependence upon God should lead to right living. This involves: following His ways, walking in His paths (Psalm 25:4; cf. Psalm 119:1); being led in His truth, and being taught by Him (Psalm 25:5a). The Father said, ‘This is my beloved Son: hear Him’ (cf. Mark 9:7).

4. Mercy and Loving kindness.