BACKGROUND
Jeremiah 33 is chronologically right after Jeremiah 32. So the historical context from yesterday still applies. That is unusual for the book of Jeremiah.
This continues the "restoration" theme that started yesterday. Jerusalem would be destroyed, but it would be restored after 70 years because it was part of God's ultimate plan from the beginning. God is just, but He is also merciful. Sorrow would turn to joy and praise in the future.
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
The most wonderful blessing of all would be the promised King who would reign in righteousness (33:14-15; 23:5). The "righteous Branch of David" is Jesus (who is coming to the Bible Book Club in 134 days. WOOHOO!). Jesus descended from the line of David (Luke 1:31-33).
At His first coming, He set up his reign and rule in the hearts of all believers, but at His second coming, he will execute justice and righteousness throughout the whole earth.
During this time, the city of Jerusalem will have a name change to "The Lord our Righteousness" because the Messiah will dwell there (Ezekiel 48:35).
God reminds them of His covenants. The first one is the one with David (2 Samuel 7:8-16; 1 Kings 2:4; Psalm 89:4, 29, 36; 1 Chronicles 17:4-14). The unbroken line of descendants can be seen in the genealogy of Jesus. (Learn about this in the Gospel Harmony Book Club.)
The second one mentioned is the covenant of the perpetual Levitical priesthood (Numbers 25:12-13). Offerings did cease between 586 BC at the Babylonian Captivity and 437 B.C. when the exiles returned (Ezra 3:1-6), but the priestly descendants continued, and Jesus fulfilled the priesthood (Hebrews 7:17, 21, 24-28) as He stood as a sacrifice for all time and all peoples! In addition, we are the priesthood of believers daily making sacrifices with our lives (Romans 12:1; 15:16; 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6).
Isn't this an encouraging chapter after so much gloom and doom? The amazing thing is that it was given right before the Babylonian Captivity.
Even in the darkest hour, God always gives us hope, doesn't He?
REFLECTION
“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (v. 3, NIV). The word translated “unsearchable” pictures an impregnable city protected by high walls—an apt image during the siege of Jerusalem. The idea is that God’s people don’t learn the hidden things of the Lord by “storming the gates” through their own strength but by seeking Him through believing prayer. (Wiersbe, W. W. Be decisive. (Je 32:1)APPLICATION
I love that we can call to God, and He will answer. Prayer is so vital to our survival. What is your conviction about prayer? Is it vital to you also? If it is not, why not? Talk to God about this (then you will be "calling to Him"!).
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for giving us HOPE. Come, Lord Jesus, COME! Amen.
1 comment:
Prayer is so vital to me! I am praying about setting up a 24-7 Prayer Room in our church. We have upstairs rooms that no one is using, and we want to turn it into a sanctuary!
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