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We have no righteousness of our own; therefore, we place our hope in the presence and reign of the perfectly righteous one, Jesus.
Into the darkest of days in the time of the prophets, when it seemed as though things were about as bad as they could get and the end of the people of God was near, Jeremiah delivered words of hope. These words were not about human wisdom, human intervention, or new human solutions. When it comes to eradicating evil and setting the human community on a new course, human wisdom, strength, and righteousness fall short. This does not mean that we shouldn’t fight for what is right or fight against what is wrong, but it does mean that we are not the hope that we need. This is why the words of hope in the Old Testament—promises of what is to come—are so important. They speak comfort into sad and tired hearts:
vv. 1-2
The shepherds are rebuked
They were to lead, feed, protect, yet… have done the opposite.
They are disciplined and scattered
vv. 3-4
God’s remnant.
God will restore the people (538 b.c. Ezra)
Fruitful and multiplying. Growth
Faithful shepherds
Nor fear. Not dismayed
v. 5-6
The already and not yet.
For the nation of Israel then, but also for all in the future
David’s Righteous Branch. Through the line of Mary
Reign. Wise. Justice. Righteous.
In those days. The Lord is Righteous
vv. 7-8
The Lord delivered the people from Egypt will be overshadowed by the exodus from Babylonian captivity
Christ and His redemption overshadows all.
Ultimately there is only one solution to the many things that break our hearts and complicate our lives: it is the reign of the risen and ascended King Jesus. The righteous Branch has come and is now sitting at the right hand of the Father. His reign guarantees the final defeat of evil and the ushering in of a kingdom of righteousness and peace forever. In the midst of all the bad news that seems to flood into our lives every day, this is very good news. There is a righteous Branch, his will shall be done, and the scourge of evil will end forever.
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