5/17/26
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
Jehovah–Tsidkenu (“The LORD Our Righteousness”) is a profound name that deepens our understanding of both God’s relationship with us and our relationship with Him. God alone is the source of righteousness, and He provided that righteousness for humanity through Jesus Christ, who became sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Apart from God, there is no true righteousness. The only way we can be made righteous is by receiving the free gift He graciously offers through faith.
Jeremiah ministered during dangerous and treacherous times. Enemies surrounded Judah on every side, while God’s own people rebelled against Him and rejected the prophetic warnings Jeremiah proclaimed. He stood largely alone, supported by only a few uncertain allies. His generation was marked by deep unrighteousness and spiritual darkness.
Yet, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Jeremiah prophesied of a coming day when the LORD would raise up a righteous Branch—a King from the line of Judah who would reign over His people. Even in the darkest and most wicked times, God’s love, and righteousness shine brightly.
Through Jehovah–Tsidkenu, God’s promised salvation was revealed in Jesus Christ. Though we may read these truths quickly, we should pause to consider the greatness of our Savior’s love. Jesus willingly took upon Himself our sin so that we could receive His righteousness.
The Apostle Paul later brought this truth into clear focus when he explained the driving purpose behind his ministry. Paul had received from God the ministry of reconciliation and was commissioned to share it with others. This ministry becomes part of the new life granted to every person who trusts in Christ.
Every Christian believer is Heaven’s ambassador. Through us, the Holy Spirit extends God’s appeal to the world, calling people on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled to God. This calling can seem overwhelming, and indeed it is beyond human strength, but we rest in the truth that it was God Himself who made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Therein lies the glorious plan of Jehovah–Tsidkenu: God’s righteousness given freely to undeserving sinners through Jesus Christ our Lord.