A Bright Future

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Jeremiah 23:1-8

 

John 12:32

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

(ESV)

 

When in the middle of a struggle, it is difficult to see a bright future for our attention focuses on what is happening now and in a trial that appears gloomy. This is why we must learn to live by faith for even though things may appear gloomy, it is possible to have a bright future of eternal life and freedom from condemnation (John 3:16-17). In Jeremiah 23:1-8 God issues a woe to the shepherds or religious leaders who have led God’s people into exile but also a promise of a bright future to the remnant driven into exile that will return to the land. The text also includes a messianic promise that applies to everyone reading the text today. In Jeremiah 23:1-8 we see,

 

1)      A woe and a promise (Jeremiah 23:1-4) – The word woe is not often used in our language today in this context it could be viewed as a warning of consequences due to misbehavior. In this case, God has issued numerous warnings to the priests due to their duplicitous worship of God and pagan gods in violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:1-3). The consequences of this duplicitous worship are found in Deuteronomy 28:15-59, something these priests should have been fully aware of. Instead, they ignored the warnings that are now a woe of the consequences to come. God does have a remnant of people driven into exile and promised shepherds who will care for them (Jeremiah 23:3-4).

2)      A promise of the Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5-8) – The passage then provides a messianic promise of a coming king who will reign with justice and righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5). This promise aligns with the promise God gave to David that there would be one of his lineage sitting on his throne for eternity (1 Kings 9:4-5). Those reading this promise today have the benefit of hindsight knowing the righteous branch spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah is Jesus. While Jesus has already come and died for the sins of humanity, he is coming again to straighten out the mess the world currently finds itself in. This promise is the source of the bright future for Christians today (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

 

The shepherds leading Judah and Israel have divided loyalties, claiming to worship God while offering worship to pagan gods (Jeremiah 11:6-13). Their divided loyalties have caused the people to be scattered into exile with these leaders destined to die in exile, but God has reserved a remnant whose heirs will return to the land (Jeremiah 23:3). These returning Jews will be the ancestors of Mary from whom the Messiah will come. God never intended to completely destroy his people, just to purge them of leaders who were leading them astray.

 

Some churches today do not mention sin out of fear of alienating some in the congregation causing them to leave and take their contributions with them. However, this fear of alienation has the consequence of the congregation not coming to grips with the fact they are sinners (Romans 3:23), condemned to death (Romans 6:23). Woe to pastors no longer mentioning sin for you have lost your missional focus (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) for the Church mission is not in building larger numbers, greater contributions, and massive buildings but pointing people to the saving grace of God. The righteous branch of Judah that will sit on the throne of David is Jesus who said if we lift Him up, he will draw people to Him (John 12:32). Sin is part of lifting up Christ for it was why He had to die on the cross (Romans 5:8).

 

For those reading this post who have not made a profession of faith in Jesus as their Savior, I urge you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.