Today’s passage: Jeremiah 23:1-40
Helpful thoughts:
- The leaders of Israel and Judah (Kings, priests, prophets) had failed to care for God’s people. And as they were scattered, God is going to gather them again.
- The language of verse 3 (“All countries”) points forward to prophecies that have not yet been fulfilled…concerning this Branch who will reign in righteousness.
- Jesus Christ is the Branch! He will reign in wisdom, justice and righteousness.
- The Lord Jesus Christ is our righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)!
- One of, if not the primary job of God’s shepherds is to teach and preach God’s Word. The people of God must know His Word.
- The Hebrew word translated as “Burden” in the ESV could also be translated as “Oracle”. The NET translation is very helpful here.
Questions to consider:
- How does verse 36 inform our thinking about how we listen to or read God’s Word? If our own thinking and our own hearts either come up with what we believe is God’s Word (False prophecy) OR if we think we can decide what parts of the Bible are good and what parts are “burdensome”, to whom have we truly given authority in our lives?
- In what ways do we see these practices of false teaching and self-authenticated learning happening today? What forms does it take in our time and culture?
- How does the reality of man’s desires and tendency to be re-writers and critics of God’s Word point us back to our need for the righteous Branch and King of kings to be our righteousness? How does the Gospel free us to read God’s word as it is intended?