Calling someone a "Jeremiah" means they are someone who is always bringing doom and gloom, and given all that Jeremiah has been saying we can understand that, though this does rather neglect the fact that what he was saying was true. However, in the midst of all this is a message of salvation. We have actually seen hints of it here and there, though they tend to be quickly overwhelmed by the tsunami of judgement. Here we get one of the more explicit salvation passages. The general message is that we need to face up to the truth of the "human condition" before we can receive God's salvation. That is why we need to repent and believe.
This section actually starts with more judgement, this time on the shepherds, the leaders. They were meant to care for the flock, instead they were destroying and scattering then. So God would pore judgement upon the leaders. However, He would also take care of the flock Himself. This is why the good shepherd passages in the gospels are so important. Jesus is the fulfilment of the good shepherd prophecies in the Old Testament.
God Himself would gather a remnant from the nations and bring them back to their home. They would then be fruitful and increase. Sometimes sections of the church focus over much on being a remnant. We may start off as a remnant, but God's ultimate plan is always to be fruitful and increase, just as it was right back in Genesis. This has not changed!
The sheep will no longer be terrified nor will any go missing. Again we can appreciate the significance of Jesus saying He would not lose of any of those given to Him, and of the parable of the lost sheep.
Branch is a messianic title. He would be in the line of David and would rule wisely. He will bring salvation and safety. He will called "The Lord our Righteous Saviour".
This salvation that He will bring will be infinitely greater than anything that has gone before.
No comments:
Post a Comment