“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.” – Jeremiah 33:14-15
Two key words in the Hebrew Bible (what we call the Old Testament) are mishpat and sedakah. They mean, respectively, “justice” and “righteousness.” As we begin the season of Advent, these two words may not be top of mind. But oh how important they are! God’s actions among God’s people are based on these two words. And, it describes how we are to live our lives.
At times we may gloss over Advent. After all, we have too much to do to prepare for Christmas, don’t we? When we think of the Advent season, that may be what we think – get the tree and house decorated, the cookies baked, gifts bought, cards sent, and on and on. But that is not what this means. Advent, from the Latin advenire, means “to come.” It is a time of anticipation as well as a time of preparation. In a sense, Advent is the beginning of the story which ends (or begins) with Easter.
Returning to those two words, sedakah and mishpat are what each of us is to practice. In anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child, we are reminded that this is not optional. Jesus never said “if you like” or “if you feel so inclined.” The command to the disciple always is active. It’s an imperative. Jesus called people into situations and places that may have been difficult. He called people to practice justice and righteousness. In other words, we are to live out to the best of our abilities God’s actions. Tough, isn’t it?
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of this season, take time to prepare your hearts. Set aside a time for intentional prayer and devotion. Examine those places that might get in the way of truly experiencing what Advent is. Search for places where both justice and righteousness can be practiced, not just during this time, but throughout the year. Commit a portion of your resources to helping others, again, year round and not just during these four weeks.
The prophet Amos may have said it best: “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream” (5:24). And Micah reminds us as to what God requires of us: “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8). Imagine what the world would be like if we lived this out. Just imagine. See you on the Advent journey.
Grace and peace,
Mike
November 29, 2015