Year of the Bible: Part Seven of TwelveSample

The Good and Righteous King

The leadership of the people of Israel was abysmal. Israel's terrible leaders allowed the people to believe lies and abandoned the standards of living that God had given them to teach the people. Jeremiah called the leaders out and declared that God would punish them. Those called to leadership of God's people are to speak the truth, even if no one likes it.

Jeremiah faced a culture that is similar to ours today. There is a throng of preachers who say what is palatable to God's people instead of challenging them to walk in holiness to the Lord. In Jeremiah's day, the prophet announced that God would punish the leaders who were scattering His people. Jeremiah spoke about the coming deliverer from David's family line: that deliverer was Jesus.

Israel's eventual exile in Babylon was the fulfillment of a warning promise. God keeps His word, even when our leaders ignore Him. The exile brought about terrible circumstances for God's people, but it was an affirmation that God keeps His word to His people. He had promised to take them into exile if they didn't obey. He also promised to bring them home from exile and to send Jesus, who would reign wisely and do what was right. We know very well that God kept His promise to bring Jesus. Whether we perceive His word to be good or bad, He keeps His word to His people.

Now, we wait for Jesus to return with the new heaven and new earth. There are false teachers among us, just as there were in the days of Jeremiah. We must be diligent in listening to the Holy Spirit to guide us through the confusing messages as we wait for the return of our coming King.

Question: Have you been led astray by a shepherd who only told you what you wanted to hear?

Prayer: Father, please help me believe You when You warn me and when You promise to bless me. Help me listen to what You are saying and respond with obedience. Help me not to defy You when You warn me. I want to hear You clearly and walk in the hope that Jesus offers me. Please give me discernment to apply Your words to my life whether I perceive them favorable or unfavorably. In the name of Jesus, Amen!