Jeremiah 23
The Righteous Branch
1 "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD.
2 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: "Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done," declares the LORD.
3 "I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number.
4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD.
5 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David [a] a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, [a] Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Zechariah 9:9-10
The Coming of Zion's King
9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Mike's Thoughts:
This is the last passage we will read in the Old Testament. From this point forward, we will see God pursue his people just as passionately as we have seen previously, but in a different way. From now on, God will use a King, but it will be a different King. I encourage you to go back and read more of the Old Testament than what we have covered in the past two weeks in order to really understand some of the specifics in these passages.
However, go back through these passages and take note of all the great things this new King is bringing:
1. A King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
2. The government will be on his shoulders.
3. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
4. Righteous and having salvation
5. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth
Things are about to change, and here is the best part: The past will help us to understand and appreciate what God is about to do. As we read from this point on, remember where we have been - God has passionately pursued his people despite their disobedience and distrust. Be sure to read yesterday's recap.
Prayer:
God, thanks that you have history. Thanks for the Old Testament and that we get to see how you pursued your people. Thanks that we can see what you have done in the past and appreciate what you will do in the future. Help us to see your hand in our lives. Guide us as we navigate our day. Let our journey be toward you and what you want for our lives. --amen
No comments:
Post a Comment