A Righteous Branch

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-8; 49; Obadiah 1

“…I will raise unto David a righteous Branch…” Jeremiah 23:5

Have you ever looked at a branch in the winter and thought, “That thing is dead! It’ll be a miracle if it comes back in the spring.”? If so, remember that after the cold of winter passes and the warmth and water of the spring comes - suddenly, that seemingly dead thing buds into something green. That’s the picture we find in today’s reading!

The situation was dismal indeed. The Jewish priests were like wayward shepherds (Jer. 23:1), the House of David seemed dead (Jer. 22:30), and the possibility of a Savior, as promised seemed impossible. Was God abandoning His promises to Israel? Was God through with His anointed giant-killer David? Was the world without hope? No way! It’s our privilege today to read about how God sealed His covenant with Israel, with King David, and with the world.

The priests in Israel had failed to shepherd the people after God’s own heart. The flock was scattered and afraid (Jer. 23:2, 4). But God sent the Good Shepherd – Jesus Christ (John 10:11-29). God did it! He sent Himself as the Shepherd His people needed!

David’s line seemed dead – just like that winter branch. But God Himself would bring that branch back to life!

“…I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth… and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Jeremiah 23:5-6

God did it! He sent Himself to be that branch – a righteous branch – from the line of David (Matt. 1:1). The world was lost…but God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son (John 3:16).

God is faithful to the Jew, to His throne, and to you and me too. Keep reading your Bible, my friends, and see God’s promises fully fulfilled in Jesus – God Himself!

Keep Reading: 2 Kings 24:10-17