A Debt That We Owe

Romans 13:8-14

Many people have debts that they owe - a mortgage on a house, a car loan, a balance on a credit card, student loan debt, or high medical bills.  Sometimes, with careful budgeting and financial planning, people can get these paid off, and then they are debt free.  Or are they?  In our Scripture for today, from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, we read about one debt that we always owe.  Let’s look into our Scripture and see what that is.

As we open our Bible passage, Paul urges his readers to not owe anything to anyone (vs. 8).  I don’t believe that Paul is saying one shouldn’t buy a house and have a mortgage, or anything like that, and for some people, medical bills can be a big debt.  However, we shouldn’t live our life with the habit of continually buying, and accumulating an unnecessary, substantial debt.  Believers should not be burdened by unpaid debts or obligations.  There is one debt, though, that the Bible said we all will have, and that is the ongoing debt of loving one another. That is a debt that is always owed.  We never come to a day when we can say that we’ve paid off our debt to love this or that person, and we don’t need to love them anymore!

Love is the fulfillment of the moral law (vs. 9).  As we read through the Ten Commandments, we see that by obeying these laws we show love, not only to God, but to our neighbor, as well.  If we love others, we are restrained from doing them any harm, as love seeks the good of other people.  If we genuinely love our family and our neighbor, we won’t lie to them, steal from them, and certainly not commit adultery, or murder them.  We seek their good, their welfare.

Love is not just some warm, fuzzy feeling that makes you giddy like a schoolgirl infatuation.  Love is active.  It does no harm, but actively does good for others (vs. 10).  This is not sentimental love, but Biblical, Spirit-enabled love.  It is rooted in obedience to God’s Word.  Our daily conduct should be measured by whether we bless or harm others.  To love as Jesus did means that we incorporate God’s self-sacrificing love into our hearts.  In Jesus, God showed us not only perfect obedience to the Law, but perfect love, as well.

As we continue in our passage, we are urged to live a life showing love because as each day passes, we are closer to the day when Jesus will return (vs. 11).  Knowing this, we need to live with vigilance, not in a spiritual slumber. We are exhorted to spiritual alertness.  The word “salvation” here in the context of this verse refers not to one’s initial justification when one turns to Jesus as is saved.  Rather, it refers to our final deliverance when Jesus returns.

Frequently throughout the Bible the words “light” and “darkness”, along with “day” and “night” have a spiritual context with either righteousness or sin and evil.  As believers, we must reject sinful practices, the “works of darkness”, and instead arm ourselves with Christ’s righteousness, His light (vs. 12).  This is a call to separate ourselves from the world’s philosophies and sinfulness, and to actively live holy lives.

Paul continues by listing some sins which were common in pagan society then, and which are still very common in today’s society, some two thousand years later, and that is immorality, drunkenness, and strife (vs. 13).  Such behavior is incompatible with living a life as a child of God, of one who seeks to pattern their life after Jesus.  Our life should be lived in uprightness and pureness.  Our testimony must be clean, avoiding both outward sins, such as immorality and drunkenness, and inward sins, such as envy and strife.

As Christians, our life is to be clothed with Jesus Himself (vs. 14).  To “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” means to live in conscious submission to Him, reflecting His character in our own life.  We must make an effort to not feed our sinful desires, but instead walk in a way that Jesus would.  When we choose to follow Jesus as our Lord, He begins the process of making us more like Himself each day.  It is not a matter of pretending to be what we are not, but rather of becoming more and more of what we are in Christ.

As we close, let us remember that every day brings us one day closer to that great day when we shall reach the end of our journey, and we shall see our Savior's face.  That’s the thought that can keep us going.  Now, at this time, we see Jesus in the Bible, but someday we shall see Him face to face!

Let Us Go to the House of the Lord

Psalm 122

How do you feel about getting up on a Sunday morning to attend church?  Would you rather roll back over in bed to sleep some more, as perhaps that is the only day that you might be able to sleep a little later?  Some denominations also frequently offer an additional church service later on a Saturday afternoon.  But would that also elicit complaints of inconvenience, as it messes up Saturday plans?  Are you glad to be able to attend church, or is it something that you do out of habit, something instilled in you from childhood?  In our psalm today, King David speaks of his feelings about going to worship.  Let’s see what he has to say.

It is probably safe to assume that as king, David led a rather busy life.  There are all sorts of things that need to be done by a king in order to keep the country running smoothly.  Kings, even if they are not the absolute ruler, have rather tight schedules.  King David, though, as busy as he might have been on any given day, was glad when any one of his friends invited him to go along together to God’s house to worship (vs. 1).

At this time the Temple in Jerusalem had not yet been built.  That would be built later by David’s son, Solomon.  Worship, particularly on holy days, along with all animal sacrifices, were done at the Tabernacle, which was an enclosure made by heavy curtains on poles.  The Tabernacle contained the altar for sacrifices, along with the Ark of the Covenant.  David rejoiced at the invitation to worship in God’s house.  Even if it meant having to delay reviewing important papers, sending out dispatches, keeping track of military strategies, or postponing an important state meeting, David was always willing to attend worship services.  David was a man after God’s heart, and as a true believer, he delighted in gathering to worship with God’s people.  This wasn’t entertainment for him, but was obedience to God’s command.

David loved the city of Jerusalem.  One of the city’s titles is “The City of David”.  He had made it his capital city.   The previous king, King Saul, had ruled out of Gibeah, which is about five or so miles north of Jerusalem.  During his reign, David tried to keep Jerusalem stable and unified (vs. 3-5).  He described it as “compact together”, a city unified and orderly.  It is the place of God’s throne, where judgment and authority are exercised.

The Church today should also reflect unity in truth, built firmly on the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:20-22).  The unity that we have as believers must be grounded in sound doctrine, not in giving in to compromising Biblical truths just to keep the peace.  Though we should always strive for unity in our churches, that should never be at the expense of doctrinal purity.  Always stand firm on God’s Word, the Bible.

As our psalm continues, we are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (vs. 6-9).  The name “Jerusalem” in Hebrew means city of peace, or foundation of peace.  The Hebrew root word yru means both foundation and city.  And the Hebrew word shalem, or more commonly shalom, means peace and wholeness.  Shalom is more than just an absence of conflict.  It means that things are as they should be.  Our relationship with God, one another, and the world is as it was designed to be.  David knew that peace in the city meant stability for worship and national life.

As we have seen in previous studies, Jerusalem is not merely historical, it is central to God’s future kingdom plan, pointing to Jesus’ future reign in the Millennial Kingdom.  Praying for peace in Jerusalem and Israel isn’t just something that was for back in David’s day.  It is still a command from God’s Word.  Today Christians should still be praying for Israel and anticipating Christ’s return when true peace will reign.

Looking back over Psalm 122, though it is a relatively short psalm, it still has practical lessons for us today.  As Christians, we should have a love for gathering with other believers.  Jesus promised that whenever two or more are gathered in His Name, He is there in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).  We should have joy at that privilege.  The joy of worship here foreshadows the eternal gladness we will experience in the New Jerusalem.  We also need to remember to strive for unity, but never compromise what we know is taught in God’s Word.  And finally, we should always be interceding for God’s people and God’s City.

A Coming Peace

Isaiah 2:1-5

There have been wars, various smaller armed conflicts, and political tension going on in different parts of the world for as long as I can remember.  As a matter of fact, there has not been a time in recorded history when there wasn’t some type of war happening somewhere on earth.  Because of this, we tend to honor those who make an effort to try and bring peace between warring nations and groups.  Much as people may try, though, no one has ever been able to bring a lasting peace or keep peace indefinitely.  That is why every country keeps a standing military force.  Even officially neutral countries like Switzerland have a military.  Though we may hate to use them, countries need to keep military weapons.  However, we have some good news, and that is that one day in the future, we will not need military weapons anymore.  As a matter of fact, they can and will be turned into useful, non-military tools.  There is a time coming when Someone will bring the world lasting peace.  Our Scripture for today tells of this coming time.

The Old Testament reading for this first Sunday of Advent is a passage from the prophet Isaiah, where he gives a prophecy pointing to the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ during the Millennium (Revelation 20:1-6), and the peace that He alone can bring.  As our Scripture opens, Isaiah speaks of a vision he had, concerning both Judah and Jerusalem.  In the last days, in future times, the mountain where the Lord’s house is, will be exalted, and all nations will come to it (vs. 1-2).  The Lord’s house was the Temple, which was built upon Mt. Zion in Jerusalem.  Both the first and second temples were built there, and when Jesus returns He will establish His throne there in Jerusalem, as well.

Jerusalem is a city that has not known much peace at all throughout its long history.  From its founding days as a Canaanite stronghold, throughout the days of Joshua and the Judges, on through when David made it his capital, and then the subsequent kings, there were frequent conflicts and battles fought in and around the city.  Then on through the time of the Persian, Greek, Roman, Muslim, the Crusades, Ottoman control, and on to today, there has been little peace for Jerusalem.   However, as Scripture declares, God has an ultimate plan for peace, justice, and worship all centered in Jerusalem.  That city beloved by the Lord, will be the spiritual and political center of the world under Jesus’ reign.

As we read, people of all nations will desire to come to Jerusalem to seek God’s instructions (vs. 3).  Today, most people want nothing to do with God or the Lord Jesus.  The thought of traveling to Jerusalem to learn God’s Word would not be popular.  However, when Jesus returns and sets up His kingdom there, people will be eager to go and learn His Word.  The nations will willingly submit to Him.  The prophet Micah echoes the same message in Micah 4:2, and Zechariah speaks of nations coming to Jerusalem from year to year to worship the Lord there (Zechariah 14:16).

Verse 4 is one that many people are familiar with, as it speaks of beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks.  When Jesus returns He will judge the nations, rebuking the people and countries who refused to follow Him.  He will also bring an end to all wars.  This is not man-made peace treaties which never last, but His divine authority.  True peace will only come through Jesus’ righteous rule, not through any human diplomacy.  Isaiah ends his message with a call for believers to walk in the light of the Lord (vs. 5).  This admonition is also repeated by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:8, and by the Apostle John in I John 1:7.

As we see through this Scripture, although they don’t today, one day people from all around the world will seek out the Lord Jesus.  They will listen to Him and obey Him, and there will be no more war.  Jesus said that when He would be “lifted up” (crucified), He would draw all people to Himself (John 12:32-33).

Jerusalem, which has long known war, battles, and bloodshed, will one day know peace and greatness.  It is not great in itself, but because of what God has used it for.  Jerusalem is honored above all cities because this is where Jesus taught.  It is where He suffered and died.  Jerusalem is where Jesus was buried and then rose again.  And it is where His Word went out into all the world.

We can have peace in our hearts now, knowing that Christ’s reign is coming, and will put an end to all conflict.  Isaiah’s prophecy points us forward to the Millennium, but also calls us to faithful living now.  This vision of peace and righteousness in the reign of Jesus should inspire in us hope, holiness, and a desire to spread His message to others.

Jesus - Savior and King

Luke 23:35-43

After reading the Scripture selection for today, one might wonder why we are reading about something that occurred while Jesus hung upon the cross when it is less than a month from Christmas.  At Christmastime we usually think of Baby Jesus lying in the manger, not Jesus’ death.  However, traditionally, many denominations designate this past Sunday, which this passage is the Gospel reading for, to commemorate Christ the King.  We read in this Scripture how something that was intended as mockery truly proclaimed what Jesus is, King of all, King of the universe.  We also read how Jesus, in His last earthly hours, was rejected by most but received by one.

As our Scripture begins, it is Good Friday and Jesus has already been crucified, and is hanging upon the cross.  Late the night before, He had been betrayed by one of His disciples, arrested, and given an improper and sham trial before the Sanhedrin.  From there Jesus was sent over to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, where He was sentenced to death.  Following carrying His cross through Jerusalem to Calvary, He was then crucified.  People gathered around the cross.  At the foot of the cross was the disciple John, along with His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and another woman.  Other people, including many religious leaders, stood and mocked Jesus, saying that He had saved others, let Him save Himself if He really is the Messiah (vs. 35-36).  Some of the Roman soldiers said the same thing.  These comments were a fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 22:7-8.  These groups showed the universal rejection of Jesus.  The religious leaders, the political powers, and the common soldiers all united against Jesus.  The world today still continues to mock Jesus Christ and His authority, demanding proof while ignoring the evidence that has already been given.

One procedure that usually took place was putting a placard on the cross above the person crucified, stating their offenses.  Affixed on the top of Jesus’ cross was a placard that read “This is the King of the Jews” (vs. 38).   This sign was placed as a mockery, yet it was providentially true.  Even in the humiliation that was heaped upon Jesus, His kingship was declared.  God overruled the malice of these world and religious leaders to proclaim His truth.  What was meant as scorn became a testimony.

As our Scripture continues, we know that there were two criminals also crucified along with Jesus, one on each side.  One of the criminals joined with the people in mocking Jesus, and he told Jesus to save Himself and them, as well.  However the other criminal rebuked him (vs. 39-40).  The first thief was unrepentant, just like most in this world.  He wanted relief from his suffering but rejected salvation.  How many in the world are like that?  They want God to bring relief from all of their problems, but want nothing to do with His Word and salvation.  The other thief was repentant.  He acknowledged his guilt and recognized Jesus’ innocence (vs 41).  He knew that he was a sinner, acknowledging the justice he had received, and then turned to Jesus for mercy.  Here at the cross humanity is divided.  There is rejection or repentance.  Neutrality is impossible.

The repentant thief then turned to Jesus and asked that He would remember him when He comes into His kingdom (vs. 42).  He called Jesus “Lord”, recognizing His authority even in apparent defeat.  This thief believed in Jesus’ future kingdom, and showed faith in a resurrection and His eternal reign.  This showed true faith.  While others were mocking Jesus being the Messiah and King, he trusted in Jesus’ unseen glory.  True saving faith looks beyond current circumstances to the promises of Jesus.

Jesus responded by promising this man immediate salvation (vs. 43).  He had Jesus’ personal assurance that he would be “with Me”.  In heaven the thief would receive salvation and fellowship with the Savior.  Salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).  The thief had no works, no baptism, no opportunity to reform.  Yet he was saved instantly by faith.

As we look back over our Scripture, we see that even in the verbal mockery the religious leaders, the crowds, and even the soldiers hurled at Jesus, and also with the sign affixed to the cross, the Kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ was proclaimed.  As this past Sunday commemorated, Jesus is the King of all Creation!   We also see spelled out the substitutionary atonement.  As the thief recognized, Jesus was innocent and yet He suffered, while the guilty are offered mercy.  That second thief was also a perfect illustration of being justified apart from any works.  Being also nailed to a cross, shortly to die, it was impossible for him to either be baptized or do any good works, yet because of his faith, Jesus promised him salvation and a place in paradise.

No one is too far gone in sin to be saved.  This man was a criminal and had received the death penalty.  Yet moments before he died, he turned to Jesus and called upon Him to be saved.  Even at death’s door Jesus can save anyone.  There were two thieves - one was saved, the other was lost.  The cross of Christ demands a response from everyone.  Delay is dangerous.  One thief believed, the other perished.  Your eternal destiny hinges on a response to Jesus.  What will you choose?

Jesus Has First Place

Colossians 1:11-20

Our New Testament reading for this week, the final week before the beginning of Advent, brings us to St. Paul’s letter to the Colossian church.  This portion of Scripture dives deep into a study of the person, nature, and works of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the supremacy of Jesus in creation, in redemption, and the believer’s daily walk.  There are some denominations that preach false and heretical teachings that Jesus was a created being, some saying that He only achieved deity after the Resurrection.  They don’t like verses like what is in our Scripture passage.  Some heretical denominations even go so far as to publish their own Bibles, manipulating verses by mistranslation or omission that speak of Jesus as part of the Trinity.  Let’s look at what God has to say here.

As we begin, the Apostle informs us that the Lord gives us strength and might (vs. 11-12).  Any strength we have, whether it is physical, or especially spiritual, comes not from ourselves, but from God’s power.  The Holy Spirit imparts that to us, as patience and longsuffering are some of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  Through the Holy Spirit’s presence we have all that we need for carrying out our Father’s will.

Paul continued on by describing how we were once a part of Satan’s kingdom, the kingdom of darkness, but are now part of God’s kingdom (vs. 13-14).  We were once held as prisoners by Satan and his kingdom.  We were held, bound in darkness.  However, Jesus paid for our redemption with His Blood, shed on Calvary’s cross.  When we accepted Jesus as our Savior, our sins were forgiven and we were transferred into His Kingdom.  Satan may not have wanted to release us, but we are now no longer under bondage to him or to sin.

Now we come to some verses that people who deny the doctrine of the Trinity, who deny the pre-existence of the Lord Jesus or His deity, do not like to read (vs. 15-17).  Jesus Christ is the visible manifestation of the invisible God (John 1:1-3, 18).  The term “firstborn” here means preeminence, not referring to His creation status.  Jesus was not created.  He was present at creation, as He is the Creator.  Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of everything that has been created.  Every aspect of life is held together by Him.  This should produce reverence and confidence in the Lord Jesus.  Our world is not random.  It is all upheld by Him.  The fact that Jesus was physically born is part of His choice to become a man and die for our sins.  It does not negate His infinite role in the Trinity.

In verse 18 we see that as the pre-existing Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, the source of resurrection life, and the One who must be supreme in all things.  Jesus is to have preeminence or supremacy in all things (Ephesians 1:20-23).  He is to have first place in our hearts and lives.  That is before our family, our job, our house, car, hobbies, etc.  This includes within the church itself.  Church life must center on Jesus, not on personalities or programs.  We need to be giving Jesus first place in everything.  Jesus stands alone.  No one or no thing is like Him.

In the final two verses of this Scripture passage, we see again the deity of Christ, and how He has reconciled us to the Father (vs. 19-20).  Jesus possesses the fullness of deity (Colossians 2:9).  The deep love that Jesus demonstrated through His death on the cross frees us from the debt for our sins, and opens the way for our reconciliation with God (Romans 5:1, 10).  His cross brings peace and reconciliation, not only for believers, but ultimately for all of creation.  As believers, once we have accepted Jesus as our personal Savior, we can now enjoy peace with God, and look forward to the restoration of all things in His Kingdom.

As we look back through this Scripture, we see that Jesus is more than the One who forgives us our sins and helps us with our daily problems.  He is the image of the invisible God.  He takes the invisible and makes it plain to us.  He is the One by whom all things were created.  He is the Head of the entire Christian Church, which is His Body.  Jesus leads us and protects us.  He is the One who went first into death and out the other side into everlasting life.  Jesus reconciled all things to Himself through His death on the Cross, cleansing us from sin and setting us free from evil.

Our Refuge and Strength

Psalm 46

Many of you may have heard of the Ring of Fire, an area that basically encircles the Pacific Ocean.  It runs up the west coast of South and North America, across southern Alaska, and then down the east coast of Asia, Japan, including Indonesia, and then ending in New Zealand.  It is an area with over 900 active or dormant volcanoes, and because the area has multiple shifting tectonic plates, it is an area with frequent strong earthquakes.  Of course there are other areas across the world with active or dormant volcanoes, and where there are possibilities of earthquakes.  Where I live in east-central Illinois I am right between the New Madrid fault and the Wabash Valley fault, both of which geologists say are likely within the next fifty years of having a significant earthquake.  Though I will admit to sometimes letting one thing or another worry me, I am not worried about that, or about getting hit by a tornado some summer, which are also very frequent where I live.  Our psalm this week speaks of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, along with other types of storms in life, and what a believer’s response should ideally be in such events.

As Christians, when we read through the Bible, we clearly see that it is emphasized throughout Scripture that God is sovereign, with supreme and unlimited power.  We also know that He is present with us at all times, and has promised to protect us.  As our psalm begins, we see that God is our Refuge whenever there is any type of trouble.  The psalmist specifically mentions conditions similar to a major earthquake, one where the actual mountains are crumbling and falling into the ocean (vs. 1-3).  Something like that happening around you is quite likely to cause some fear and concern.  However, as God’s children, we know that He is both a place of safety, our refuge, and He is also our source of power or strength. God is sufficient for both protection and endurance.  He is a present help.  Yahweh is not a distant or delayed god.  He is always immediately available in times of trouble.

Mountains falling and seas roaring symbolize the most stable things collapsing.  Even if creation itself unravels, as God’s children we do not need to fear.  We need to put our trust in Him even if the foundations of the earth shift beneath our feet.  That takes a heart willing to trust His Word, submit to His plan, and then deliberately and consciously relax.  God is sovereign over natural disasters, political upheavals, and any personal crisis.  Our confidence should not rest in circumstances, but in God’s unchanging character.

Next the psalmist shifts to speaking of a calm river that brings gladness (vs. 4-7).  This points to God’s sustaining grace and peace.  It is also a prophetic picture of the Millennial Kingdom where the River of God will flow.  We read about this river in both Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Revelation 22:1-2.  The city of God refers both to the present city of Jerusalem and to the future New Jerusalem where God will dwell with His people.  Jerusalem is a city that has rarely known any peace since its founding several thousand years ago.  Since the days of the Patriarchs of the Old Testament the heathen nations have raged against Jerusalem and His people, but God’s voice and Word will stop them.  The Church, as God’s dwelling place, is secure because Jesus is in her midst (Matthew 28:20).

As the psalm concludes, we see how God is sovereign over all the nations of the world (vs. 8-11).  His judgments bring desolation, but they also will bring peace.  We all want to see wars and conflicts end around the world.  However, it is God alone who can end wars.  When Scripture tells us to be still, that is not passive resignation, but instead is telling us to have reverent submission to God’s will and ways.  We need to cease striving and acknowledge his sovereignty.  We see that despite all of the turmoil around the world, Jesus will be exalted, which is echoed in Philippians 2:10-11.

As we close this psalm we see that God wants us to be still and know that there is nothing too big for Him to handle.  He is right there with us in times of trouble.  When the disciples were afraid during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus stood up and rebuked the wind, and told the waves to be still.  Then all was calm (Mark 4:35-41).  When we hear about natural disasters around us, maybe in our own area, and when we hear about wars, we need to remember that God is in control.  The Lord, who has sent His Son to save us, is not going to leave us or forsake us.  Remember, God is our refuge and strength!  The Lord of hosts is with us!

Bad or Good Shepherds

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Imagine if you will, that you hired someone to babysit your young, preschool child while you were at work.  You expect them to be diligent in watching over and caring for your child, keeping them from harm, playing with them, feeding them, etc.  When they get older and attend school we expect the same careful attention by their teachers.  If we hire someone to watch our pets while we are away on a vacation we also want them to treat them with care.  If this person mistreats our child or pet we naturally are furious, and possibly even take legal action against them.  Knowing these natural feelings and reactions, would we think that God would feel any less about His children?  In our Scripture today we read of His reaction when these shepherds who were to care for His people have failed in their duty.

Both in the past and today, God has raised up spiritual leaders to lead, guide, and care for His people.  In the Old Testament they were often called shepherds, and the people as their flock.  However, as the prophet Jeremiah received his message, God was going to bring judgment on the false shepherds, those who were failing in their duty, which by this time were so many of them.  God also promised the coming of the righteous King, the Messiah and Savior.

As our Scripture begins, God pronounces woe, or judgment upon the unfaithful shepherds who have scattered and destroyed His flock (vs. 1-2).  In the Old Testament days, the priests, the prophets, and also the kings were meant to shepherd the people of Israel.  However, they had failed terribly.  So many of them were leading the people astray into both idolatry and injustice.  These shepherds were supposed to be genuine, but were actually fake.  Instead of acting as godly leaders who would serve and care for their people, they used their power to mislead and exploit them.  They acted with malevolence, destroying and scattering the sheep (Ezekiel 34:1-6).  They behaved as enemies of the sheep.

Things are no different today.  False religious leaders, preachers, and teachers continue to scatter people who have come to them for truth and God’s Word, yet they receive anything but that.  How many preachers, and even whole denominations, do not believe or preach that the Bible is God’s inspired Word?  Or they are preaching that if the people send them their offerings God will then bless them with wealth and prosperity.  Far too many only preach nice, warm and fuzzy, feel-good messages, not the whole Word of God.  This passage is a warning against compromising God’s truth for popularity or worldly gain.

As the prophet Jeremiah continued, he spoke that though these leaders had failed, God promised to regather His people (vs. 3-4).  This pointed to the restoration after the Babylonian exile, but ultimately to Jesus Christ’s work of gathering His Church.  These faithful and true shepherds that He would raise up were leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah, and true prophets like Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.  They would later include the apostles, and today the few but faithful pastors who truthfully preach God’s Word.  Faithful pastors today must feed the flock with sound doctrine (Acts 20:28).  Christians will be fed and grow spiritually when the shepherds are faithful to the Scriptures.

Jeremiah proceeded to bring a word of prophecy (vs. 5).  The “Branch” is a clear reference to the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1).  The Messiah would come from King David’s line, fulfilling the covenant promises.  Unlike the many corrupt kings that had ruled over the people, this King will reign wisely and justly.  This verse points directly to Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd-King.  He rules in righteousness, unlike human leaders who fail.

The Messiah would bring salvation to God’s people (vs. 6).  Ultimately, this points to spiritual salvation through Jesus’ finished work on the cross.  This Scripture passage ends with the proclamation of a name that the Messiah would have - The Lord our Righteousness, or Yahweh Tsidkenu.  Jesus Himself is our righteousness (I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 5:21).  We are justified not by works, but by His imputed righteousness.  This is the heart of the Gospel.  Our standing before God rests not on our merit, but on Christ’s righteousness which has been credited to all who put their faith and trust in Him.

As we close this Scripture, we see that God will hold all preachers and leaders accountable for how they treat His flock.  He wants His children properly fed from His Word and cared for.  As believers, we must test what our pastors and teachers tell us against the Bible to avoid being scattered by false doctrine.  Don’t be led astray by something that may sound nice, or with what fits in with whatever popular philosophies or ideas are around.  If it doesn’t line up with what the Bible says, we must reject it.  And finally, Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone, who is The Lord our Righteousness.  While human shepherds may fail, the Good Shepherd never does.