Reading: Jeremiah 23-25
And I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and in- crease. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 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 (Jer. 23:3-6).
As we read through the books of the prophets, including the Book of Jeremiah, we are given simultaneous insight into the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. God’s people had committed grievous sins and lived in the shadow of God’s approaching judgment. Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and He shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until He have destroyed thee (Deut. 28:47-48). Yet even through the dark clouds of the terrible storm that had gathered over Jerusalem, the Lord still sent rays of hope that foretold a brighter day. Jeremiah’s announcements of the ruin awaiting Judah were terrifying, but God was not leaving His people without hope. Even before the storm, God was already letting the promise of the rainbow peak through the clouds to provide comfort and solace for all who sincerely believed in Him. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper.
Those listening in the time of Jeremiah did not understand the depth and breadth of the promise behind these words. No doubt, they took comfort in the belief that God would send them a mighty king that would restore their earthly kingdom, but there was an immense difference between this promised King and all others who had ever sat on David's throne. While the faithful remnant looked longingly towards a time of earthly redemption, God was promising them (and us) the chance at eternal salvation!
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS made His first appearance as prophesied, as a humble babe born in the small town of Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2). He came forth as a tender branch from a tree cut down. There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots (Is. 11:1). He is spoken of as THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS because all righteousness has its source in Him; For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21). When we accept Him as our Savior and Lord, His life—His righteousness—flows into us. Therefore, we stand justified before God—not upon our own merits, but upon the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star (Rev. 22:16).
Thought For Today:God’s plan is ever unfolding. Each stage benefits not only those alive to see it but also the countless generations not yet born.
Christ Revealed: As THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jer. 23:5- 6). Of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (I Cor. 1:30;also II Cor. 5:21).
Word Studies:23:10 adulterers = forsakers of God for the false gods; because of swearing = because of the curse of God upon it; 23:32 lightness = vain boasting; 25:34 fall like a pleasant vessel = break like a valuable vessel; 25:38 covert = hiding place.
Pray For Staff: Ryan McCrary • Government Officials: Rep. Kathy Castor (FL), Rep. Brad Schneider (IL), Sen. Steve Daines (MT) • Country: Angola (19,088,106) Southwestern Africa • Major Languages: Portuguese, Bantu, Other African Dialects • Religious Freedom • 47% Indigenous Beliefs; 38% Roman Catholic; 15% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray not to be envious of others (Ps. 37:1).
Optional Readings:I John 2