Read Jeremiah 23
Highlights:
What a precious opportunity to teach the Word of God (Jer. chap. 23)! Christ, the Righteous Branch (23:5-8).
The "dark clouds" of a horrifying judgment were gathering over Jerusalem, but rays of hope foretold of a brighter day. The prophet announced the destruction awaiting Judah. The brighter day of hope shone beyond the days of calamities, bringing comfort just as it does today: 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 increase. . . . and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking. . . . Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a Righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper . . . In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely (Jer. 23:3-6).
There is a vital difference between this promised King (the Messiah, Jesus Christ) and all the kings who ever sat on David's throne. He is to be called by the magnificent and wonderful Name: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (23:6). How different He is from all the kings of history! Judah was assured that this King will reign in wisdom and, by His power, secure peace and justice in the earth (23:5).
This King of Righteousness shall come forth as a tender branch as 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). His beginnings will be small, His rise seemingly out of dry (hopeless) ground (53:2); but He will grow to be great throughout all the world. He will set up a Kingdom which shall be victorious over all opposition. He is spoken of as THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, for all our righteousness has its source in Him; we are 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.
His power is unlimited. As the King of kings, and Lord of lords (I Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; 19:16), all things are dependent on His power and subject to His control. Christ is over all, God blessed for ever (Rom. 9:5).
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:
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord . . . He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness (Is. 61:10).
Christ Revealed:
AsThe 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 wreak like a valuable vessel; 25:38 covert hiding place.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Rep. Katherine Castor (FL), Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (TX) and Rep. Ron Paul (TX) • Country: Sweden (8.09 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Swedish • Religious freedom • 90% Evangelical Lutheran; 1.5% Roman Catholic; 1% Pentecostal; 4% Muslim; 3.5% Other (Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray not to be envious of others (Ps. 37:1).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:2