Clothed in Righteousness: Embracing Jehovah Sid Canu
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on one of the most profound and perhaps lesser-known names of God: Jehovah Sid Canu—The Lord Our Righteousness. We began by acknowledging our deep need for God, not just in the big moments of life, but in every hour, every breath. Our journey took us through Jeremiah 23, where God rebukes the failed shepherds of Israel and promises a coming King from David’s line who will be called “The Lord is our Righteousness.” This name is not just a title; it is a declaration of God’s character and a mirror to our own condition.
We explored the reality that, left to ourselves, we are like the emperor in Hans Christian Andersen’s tale—vain, self-deceived, and exposed in our shame, even as we pretend to be clothed in righteousness. The Bible does not soften the diagnosis: we are not merely victims or people who make mistakes; we are perpetrators of evil deeds, willful transgressors, and those who bend and break God’s standards. Like David in Psalm 51, we must confess not just our actions but the deep brokenness of our souls—our transgressions, iniquities, and sins.
Yet, the story does not end with our failure. God, in His mercy, does what we cannot: He provides righteousness for us. Through the prophetic vision in Zechariah 3, we saw a vivid picture of God removing the filthy rags of our sin and clothing us in the pure garments of His righteousness. This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. The gospel is not a self-help program or a moral checklist; it is a divine exchange—our sin for Christ’s righteousness.
For those who have trusted in Christ, the call is to daily “clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,” intentionally putting on the new identity and living in the confidence of His covering. When we stumble and the accuser reminds us of our failures, we remember that Christ’s righteousness is sufficient, and His forgiveness is inexhaustible. The invitation remains open: will you receive the righteousness that only God can provide, and walk in the freedom and security of being covered by Jehovah Sid Canu?
Key Takeaways
- The depth of our sin is not merely in our actions but in the very core of our being. We are not just people who make mistakes; we are willful transgressors, bending and breaking God’s standards, often relabeling our rebellion to soothe our conscience. True spiritual awakening begins when we stop pretending and confess the full reality of our brokenness before God. [23:19]
- God’s righteousness is not something we can manufacture or earn. Like Joshua in Zechariah 3, even our best efforts leave us clothed in filthy rags before a holy God. Only by God’s initiative—through Christ—are we stripped of our shame and clothed in garments of righteousness, a gift we could never achieve on our own. [31:08]
- The gospel is a divine exchange: Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. This means our standing before God is not based on our performance but on Christ’s finished work. Our hope and security rest in His righteousness, not our own. [33:21]
- The Christian life is a daily act of intentionally “putting on” Christ. Just as we choose our clothes each morning, we must choose to live out our new identity, relying on Christ’s righteousness rather than our own efforts or comparisons with others. When we get “dirty” again, we return to Him for cleansing, never outgrowing our need for His grace. [38:12]
- When the accuser reminds us of our failures, we do not deny our sin but point to Christ’s satisfaction on our behalf. The assurance of forgiveness and acceptance is not in our ability to remain spotless, but in the faithfulness of Jesus, who covers us again and again with His righteousness. This is the freedom and confidence of those who know Jehovah Sid Canu. [41:20]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Opening Prayer and Gratitude
[03:45] - Celebrating Gospel Work in Our Church
[06:30] - Introduction to the Name Jehovah Sid Canu
[09:15] - The Problem of Pretending Righteousness
[12:52] - Reading Jeremiah 23: God’s Rebuke and Promise
[16:33] - The Meaning of Jehovah Sid Canu
[17:52] - We Cannot Cover Our Mess
[19:20] - The Victim Mentality and Our True Condition
[21:39] - David’s Confession: Transgression, Iniquity, Sin
[24:23] - Bending and Relabeling God’s Standards
[27:21] - Missing the Mark and the Futility of Self-Righteousness
[31:08] - Zechariah 3: The Gospel in a Vision
[33:21] - Christ: Our Righteousness Fulfilled
[36:23] - The Invitation to Receive Christ’s Righteousness
[38:12] - Daily Clothing Ourselves with Christ
[41:20] - Assurance in the Face of Accusation and Closing Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Jehovah Sid Canu—The Lord Our Righteousness
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### Bible Reading
Jeremiah 23:1-6 (ESV)
1 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord.
2 Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord.
3 Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
4 I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.
5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’”
Zechariah 3:1-5 (ESV)
1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.
2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?”
3 Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments.
4 And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”
5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Jeremiah 23, what does God say He will do about the failed shepherds of Israel, and what promise does He make for the future?
2. According to Zechariah 3, what is the condition of Joshua the high priest when he stands before God, and what does God do for him?
3. In the sermon, what are the three words David uses in Psalm 51 to describe his wrongdoing, and what do they each mean? [21:39]
4. What does 2 Corinthians 5:21 say about the exchange that happens between Jesus and us?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does God use such strong language (“evil deeds”) to describe the actions of the shepherds and the people in Jeremiah 23? What does this reveal about how God views sin? [12:52]
2. The sermon compares us to the emperor in “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” In what ways do people today try to “cover” their own sin or shame? [09:15]
3. In Zechariah 3, why is it significant that God Himself removes Joshua’s filthy garments and clothes him in pure ones? What does this teach about our ability to make ourselves righteous? [31:08]
4. The sermon says the gospel is a “divine exchange.” What does it mean that Jesus “became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God”? How does this change the way we see our relationship with God? [33:21]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says we often pretend to be more righteous than we are, like the emperor in the story. Can you think of a time when you tried to “look good” spiritually or morally in front of others? What motivated you to do that? [09:15]
2. David in Psalm 51 confessed not just his actions but the deep brokenness of his soul. When you think about your own life, are there areas where you tend to minimize or relabel your sin instead of honestly confessing it? What would it look like to be more honest with God? [23:19]
3. The sermon says God’s righteousness is a gift we could never achieve on our own. Are there ways you still try to “earn” God’s approval or cover your shame by your own efforts? How can you remind yourself to rest in Christ’s finished work instead? [31:08]
4. Romans 13:14 says to “clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ.” What are some practical ways you can “put on” Christ each day? Is there a specific area of your life where you need to rely more on His righteousness than your own? [38:12]
5. When you stumble or fail, how do you usually respond? Do you tend to hide, make excuses, or beat yourself up? How can you practice coming back to Jesus for cleansing and forgiveness, trusting that His grace is inexhaustible? [41:20]
6. The sermon says the devil loves to accuse us and remind us of our failures. What are some truths from this message or from Scripture that you can use to answer those accusations and find assurance in Christ? [41:20]
7. The invitation is open to receive the righteousness only God can provide. If you have never trusted Christ, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you walk more confidently in the freedom and security of being covered by Jehovah Sid Canu? [36:23]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Lord is Our Righteousness
God reveals Himself as Jehovah Sid Canu, "The Lord Our Righteousness," showing that He alone is truly just, holy, and morally right, while we are in desperate need of the righteousness only He can provide. In His justice and faithfulness, God promises to raise up a righteous King from David’s line who will save His people and be called by this very name, offering us a righteousness we could never achieve on our own. This name is a reminder that where we have failed, God stands in our place, restoring what is broken and making us right before Him—not by our efforts, but as a gift fulfilled in Jesus Christ. [16:33]
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (ESV)
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’”
Reflection: In what area of your life are you still trying to prove your own righteousness instead of resting in the righteousness God freely gives through Jesus?
Day 2: The Depth of Our Sin
We are not merely victims of circumstance but willful transgressors who cross God’s boundaries, bend His standards, and fall short of His perfect mark; our sin is deep, pervasive, and cannot be excused or covered by our own efforts. Like David in Psalm 51, we must come to God with honest confession, recognizing our rebellion, iniquity, and sin, and acknowledging that we are broken to the very core and in need of His mercy. Only when we see the true depth of our sin will we be able to appreciate the beauty and necessity of the Savior’s righteousness. [21:39]
Psalm 51:1-4 (ESV)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
Reflection: What is one specific area where you have been making excuses for your sin instead of honestly confessing it to God today?
Day 3: God Cleanses and Clothes Us in Righteousness
Though we are filthy and unworthy, God graciously removes our soiled garments and clothes us in His own righteousness, making us clean and accepted in His presence through Jesus Christ. Like Joshua the high priest in Zechariah 3, we stand accused and unfit, but God Himself intervenes, taking away our shame and giving us a pure, heavenly robe so that we are seen as righteous—not by our merit, but by His gift. This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus takes our sin and gives us His righteousness, restoring our relationship with God and making us as white as snow. [33:21]
Zechariah 3:1-5 (ESV)
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by.
Reflection: When you feel unworthy or ashamed, how can you remind yourself that God has clothed you in Christ’s righteousness and not your own?
Day 4: Daily Putting On Christ
God calls us to intentionally clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ each day, choosing to wear His righteousness rather than our own efforts or shame. Just as we dress ourselves for important occasions, God provides the garments of Christ’s character and holiness for us to put on, and He invites us to keep coming back to Him for cleansing whenever we stumble or get stained by sin. This daily rhythm of putting on Christ and seeking His renewal allows us to walk confidently as His people, knowing our identity and acceptance are secure in Him. [38:12]
Romans 13:14 (ESV)
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can “put on” Christ today—perhaps in your attitude, your words, or your actions toward someone specific?
Day 5: Freedom from Accusation and Shame
Even when the devil accuses us and reminds us of our failures, we can stand firm in the truth that Jesus has already paid for our sins and made us righteous before God. No matter how many times we fall, if we confess and bring our mess to Jesus, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us, covering us again and again with His grace. We do not have to live in fear or shame, but can boldly claim our place with Christ, knowing that where He is, we will be also, because of His finished work. [41:20]
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Reflection: When you are tempted to dwell on past failures, how can you respond with the truth of God’s forgiveness and the assurance that you are covered by Christ’s righteousness?
Quotes
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