August 11
Jeremiah 49:1-33; 2 Kings 24:5-7; 2 Chronicles 36:6-8; 2 Kings 24:8-9; 2 Chronicles 36:9; Jeremiah 22:24-23:32
Judah was led politically by Jehoiachin, who "did evil in the eyes of the Lord" (2 Kings 24:9) and was led spiritually by prophets who spewed lies and deception. Yet amid this leadership vacuum comes a promise from God. Jeremiah 23 tells us God is going to raise up a righteous Branch, a wise and just king, and a savior. This individual will follow generations of wicked, inept leaders and bring Israel into "safety" (Jeremiah 23:6). This promise is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. The description of him being a king and savior may seem obvious, but what about the fact he is a Branch? As seen in its usage in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah, it became a title for the Messianic King. Israel is often pictured as an olive tree and it seems out of this tree would come one "branch" (Jeremiah 23:5) that would be greater than all others.
Paradoxically, this branch (Jesus) in John 15 is the vine which gives life to all other branches on the tree. Jesus is thus the Branch that gives life to all other branches and the only king who can lead all into safety, justice, life, and peace. So let us turn to the only perfect leader we have. Allow him to lead our thoughts, lead our lives, and lead our hearts.
Father God, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for giving life to me and to all who come to him in faith. Help me to rest in the life that I have in Christ. Amen.
How does thinking about Jesus as the Branch expand your understanding of him?
Judah was led politically by Jehoiachin, who "did evil in the eyes of the Lord" (2 Kings 24:9) and was led spiritually by prophets who spewed lies and deception. Yet amid this leadership vacuum comes a promise from God. Jeremiah 23 tells us God is going to raise up a righteous Branch, a wise and just king, and a savior. This individual will follow generations of wicked, inept leaders and bring Israel into "safety" (Jeremiah 23:6). This promise is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. The description of him being a king and savior may seem obvious, but what about the fact he is a Branch? As seen in its usage in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah, it became a title for the Messianic King. Israel is often pictured as an olive tree and it seems out of this tree would come one "branch" (Jeremiah 23:5) that would be greater than all others.
Paradoxically, this branch (Jesus) in John 15 is the vine which gives life to all other branches on the tree. Jesus is thus the Branch that gives life to all other branches and the only king who can lead all into safety, justice, life, and peace. So let us turn to the only perfect leader we have. Allow him to lead our thoughts, lead our lives, and lead our hearts.
Father God, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for giving life to me and to all who come to him in faith. Help me to rest in the life that I have in Christ. Amen.
How does thinking about Jesus as the Branch expand your understanding of him?
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