The I AM in Action—Mysteries Revealed
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Jeremiah 23:6, KJV)
If you have read or studied the Bible to any extent, you’ve likely encountered a recurring pattern like this one—”The Lord our Righteousness.” This phrase essentially declares that God is righteousness to His people; it equates God, a Person, with righteousness, a concept or thing. This pattern appears throughout Scripture in various contexts, such as “The Lord is our strength,” or “our wisdom.” Perhaps the most striking example is found in 1 John 4:8, where John boldly proclaims that God is love. Are these authors suggesting that God is both a person and a thing? What mysteries are hidden within these revelations of God?
Allow me to briefly illuminate the mysteries embedded in the names and titles of God, particularly as they relate to us and find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
When Jeremiah declares that God is our righteousness, a truth echoed in the New Testament as “Christ our righteousness,” what does he mean? First, it’s crucial to remember that the Bible is replete with figurative language. Learning to recognize these figures of speech is essential for accurate interpretation. Here are a few examples as it relates to this pattern of “The Lord is…”:
- Metaphor: This is perhaps the most common. A metaphor directly equates one thing to another, creating a symbolic connection. When we say, “The Lord is my shepherd,” it’s a metaphor comparing God’s care to that of a shepherd for his sheep. It’s not literal but paints a vivid picture of God’s loving guidance.
- Personification: This attributes human qualities to non-human entities. Wisdom is personified in Proverbs, and in a similar way, abstract concepts like righteousness or strength take on a personal dimension when linked to God.
- Metonymy: This involves using a related term to represent something else. For example, “Christ is the wisdom of God” could be seen as metonymy, where Christ embodies and reveals the wisdom of God.
- Hyperbole: This is exaggeration for emphasis. While less common in these specific phrases, some may contain a hyperbolic element to magnify God’s greatness. For example, “The Lord is my rock” powerfully emphasizes God’s steadfastness and unwavering nature, perhaps with a touch of hyperbole.
Regardless of the specific figure of speech employed, the core truth remains: God is all we ever need. He is El Shaddai! And here’s the most glorious truth of all: everything that God is has been fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Do you need healing? Christ is your healing. Do you need protection? Christ is your protection. Do you need wisdom? Christ is your wisdom. This pattern continues infinitely. It is a profoundly powerful truth.
Christ is all you need—God has provided for every need in Him.
Meditate
What are the four examples of figurative language used above to describe God’s relationship with His people?
Apply the Word
What is your need today? Christ is the answer. There is no need you have, spiritual or physical, that falls outside of God’s provision in Christ. Here’s how you receive from Him: understand His Word concerning your need, believe it, and stand firm in that truth. It’s not about you, but about Him!
Pray
Thank the Lord today for His wondrous provision for us in Christ.
Recommended Read
- Jesus: the Sum of All the Jehovah Names and Titles
- Christ Our Righteousness
- Christ Our Wisdom
- I am the Way, the Truth and the Life
- View All Deshen Daily Devotionals
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