WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.720 Well, good morning, church. 00:00:04.660 --> 00:00:07.280 Christmastime is here. 00:00:07.400 --> 00:00:08.839 The season is up and running. 00:00:09.640 --> 00:00:10.120 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.579 We have a lot of that with all the finals and the papers and all the work to do. 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:39.039 But if you're not a student, well, December is also what? 00:00:39.079 --> 00:00:41.179 It's the end of the work quarter, the end of the year. 00:00:41.960 --> 00:00:45.539 So there are numbers to hit and reports to write and deadlines to manage. 00:00:45.659 --> 00:00:48.280 We feel pulled in a million different directions. 00:00:48.420 --> 00:00:49.240 We're very scattered. 00:00:51.320 --> 00:00:55.219 Well, our sermon text today is Jeremiah 23. 00:00:55.840 --> 00:00:59.219 That's page 609, 609 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:59.219 --> 00:01:01.060 If you'd like to turn there with me. 00:01:01.960 --> 00:01:05.219 And in this text, written in the 6th century B.C., 00:01:06.299 --> 00:01:13.159 Jeremiah speaks a message of hope and comfort to a scattered people. 00:01:14.019 --> 00:01:16.980 He speaks of the coming Messiah, the coming King, 00:01:17.460 --> 00:01:23.259 who will gather His scattered people and who will keep them secure. 00:01:23.260 --> 00:01:29.420 So let me pray, and then I will read Jeremiah 23, verses 1 through 8. 00:01:31.100 --> 00:01:35.200 Father, as another Christmas season begins, we confess that our hearts are pulled in many directions. 00:01:35.500 --> 00:01:38.200 We are scattered and preoccupied. 00:01:38.200 --> 00:01:53.439 But in this moment here, this morning, by Your Spirit, allow us to hear Your message of truth, of hope, of comfort. 00:01:53.439 --> 00:02:00.700 Let the eyes of our hearts see You and Your Son, Jesus Christ. 00:02:01.900 --> 00:02:09.919 And would we receive Your Word by faith and live as people who know the true and living God. 00:02:09.919 --> 00:02:14.299 Father, it is in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 00:02:15.199 --> 00:02:15.539 Amen. 00:02:15.759 --> 00:02:19.679 All right, Jeremiah 23, 1 through 8, says this, 00:02:19.680 --> 00:02:49.680 00:02:49.680 --> 00:03:12.379 Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch, 00:03:12.379 --> 00:03:20.500 and He shall reign as King and deal wisely and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:25.759 In His days Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell securely. 00:03:26.500 --> 00:03:29.099 And this is the name by which He will be called, 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:32.819 The Lord is our righteousness. 00:03:34.740 --> 00:03:38.199 Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when they shall no longer say, 00:03:38.460 --> 00:03:42.219 As the Lord lives, who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt, 00:03:42.379 --> 00:03:48.960 But as the Lord lives, who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north 00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:57.259 country and out of all the countries where He had driven them, then they shall dwell in their own land. 00:03:59.199 --> 00:04:08.139 So consider first in verses 1 through 4 the fact that God will gather His scattered people. 00:04:08.139 --> 00:04:11.699 In verses 1 through 2 we see that the people are scattered, 00:04:12.079 --> 00:04:16.360 and in verse 3 God promises that He will gather them back to their fold. 00:04:17.240 --> 00:04:20.319 Now here in Jeremiah, why are the people scattered? 00:04:20.500 --> 00:04:25.719 Well, they're scattered because they have shepherds who do not care for them, 00:04:26.879 --> 00:04:29.259 shepherds who destroy and drive them away, 00:04:29.399 --> 00:04:32.279 who don't attend to them or care for them as they should. 00:04:32.279 --> 00:04:36.439 Now who are these shepherds that Jeremiah is talking about? 00:04:36.539 --> 00:04:43.439 Well, in the Old Testament, the shepherd language was a common metaphor for kings and for leaders. 00:04:44.659 --> 00:04:48.599 In 2 Samuel chapter 5 verse 2, the tribes of Israel say to David, 00:04:49.399 --> 00:04:53.799 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. 00:04:53.899 --> 00:04:54.859 And the Lord said to you, 00:04:54.860 --> 00:05:01.240 You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel. 00:05:01.699 --> 00:05:07.720 So that's just one of many examples where kings and princes and leaders are called shepherds of the people. 00:05:07.819 --> 00:05:12.980 And it's easy to see why kings and leaders would be described as shepherds, right? 00:05:13.680 --> 00:05:21.879 Because God intended for those in authority to guide and care for and protect the people that they led, 00:05:21.879 --> 00:05:25.480 just like an actual shepherd would do for their literal sheep. 00:05:25.560 --> 00:05:28.779 They would protect them and care for them, and as Psalm 23 says, 00:05:28.879 --> 00:05:32.420 guide them to still waters and make them lie down in green pastures. 00:05:34.540 --> 00:05:40.480 We see God's ideal for kings and leaders a little earlier in Jeremiah chapter 22 verse 3, 00:05:41.579 --> 00:05:42.399 where God says, 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:46.139 Hear the word of the Lord, O King of Judah, who sits on the throne of David, 00:05:46.639 --> 00:05:49.620 you and your servants and your people who enter these gates. 00:05:49.620 --> 00:05:50.660 Thus says the Lord, 00:05:51.620 --> 00:05:54.280 Do justice and righteousness, 00:05:55.079 --> 00:05:59.040 and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed, 00:05:59.660 --> 00:06:02.399 and do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, 00:06:03.060 --> 00:06:04.959 the fatherless, and the widow, 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:08.019 nor shed innocent blood in this place. 00:06:09.620 --> 00:06:12.480 So a king, a ruler, a prince, 00:06:12.780 --> 00:06:16.660 someone in authority who upheld justice and righteousness, 00:06:16.660 --> 00:06:21.480 who cared for the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. 00:06:21.840 --> 00:06:23.439 That was God's ideal. 00:06:25.280 --> 00:06:30.280 But sadly, this was not the case for the people in Jeremiah's day. 00:06:31.940 --> 00:06:36.720 Those kings cared more about increasing their own wealth and comfort 00:06:36.720 --> 00:06:41.200 than for promoting justice and righteousness in the land 00:06:41.199 --> 00:06:44.339 and for caring for the best interest of the people. 00:06:45.519 --> 00:06:48.219 And now, in the sixth century, 00:06:48.360 --> 00:06:52.779 the looming Babylonian empire was going to come 00:06:52.779 --> 00:06:56.399 and scatter the nation into exile. 00:06:58.959 --> 00:07:01.699 But these sheep that are scattered, 00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:04.899 Jeremiah says in this chapter, 00:07:04.899 --> 00:07:08.579 God sees them. 00:07:09.919 --> 00:07:12.339 And even though the exile comes 00:07:12.339 --> 00:07:16.359 as part of God's judgment on wayward and rebellious Israel, 00:07:16.519 --> 00:07:17.299 God says, 00:07:18.759 --> 00:07:19.959 I will gather them. 00:07:20.939 --> 00:07:22.799 I will be a shepherd to them. 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:25.099 I will bring them home. 00:07:26.539 --> 00:07:29.719 They will be fruitful and multiply. 00:07:29.720 --> 00:07:30.820 That is, 00:07:30.980 --> 00:07:34.080 I will bring them home so that they can live into that 00:07:34.080 --> 00:07:37.900 creational calling for which I have made humans 00:07:37.900 --> 00:07:39.940 to flourish and thrive. 00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:43.760 They shall fear no more, nor be dismayed. 00:07:44.020 --> 00:07:47.160 Neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord. 00:07:48.500 --> 00:07:53.120 Not one of his scattered sheep will be lost. 00:07:53.400 --> 00:07:56.280 Not one will be missing, declares the Lord. 00:07:56.279 --> 00:08:01.779 Now, I think we need to hear this promise today, 00:08:01.959 --> 00:08:02.439 don't we? 00:08:03.839 --> 00:08:05.939 Perhaps some of you know what it's like 00:08:05.939 --> 00:08:10.299 to suffer under bad leadership. 00:08:12.319 --> 00:08:15.159 Maybe you had parents who didn't care well for you. 00:08:16.239 --> 00:08:17.659 Or maybe you've been in churches 00:08:17.659 --> 00:08:19.739 where leadership has failed. 00:08:20.779 --> 00:08:22.059 Or perhaps in your work, 00:08:22.139 --> 00:08:24.319 you've buckled under the weight of bad management 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:26.560 or careless, unethical bosses. 00:08:27.819 --> 00:08:28.839 Whatever it is, 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:30.659 corrupt politicians, 00:08:31.740 --> 00:08:33.620 self-seeking civil servants, 00:08:34.500 --> 00:08:35.840 harsh religious leaders, 00:08:36.980 --> 00:08:39.200 absent, uncaring family members. 00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:42.799 Maybe you know all too well 00:08:42.799 --> 00:08:44.899 what it's like to be scattered 00:08:44.899 --> 00:08:47.000 and even scarred 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:49.500 by bad shepherds. 00:08:51.659 --> 00:08:53.399 But God, friends, 00:08:54.559 --> 00:08:55.980 God is a God 00:08:55.980 --> 00:08:57.600 who gathers. 00:09:00.639 --> 00:09:01.200 God 00:09:01.200 --> 00:09:03.940 is a shepherd who gathers. 00:09:04.039 --> 00:09:05.860 Listen to how the other prophets speak 00:09:05.860 --> 00:09:07.080 to this great truth 00:09:07.080 --> 00:09:08.320 about the one true God. 00:09:08.419 --> 00:09:11.100 Isaiah 40, verses 9 through 11 says, 00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:13.019 Go up on a high mountain, 00:09:13.379 --> 00:09:14.740 O Zion, herald of good news. 00:09:15.200 --> 00:09:17.100 Lift up your voice with strength, 00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:19.139 O Jerusalem, herald of good news. 00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:20.200 Lift it up. 00:09:20.540 --> 00:09:21.420 Fear not. 00:09:21.879 --> 00:09:23.220 Say to the cities of Judah, 00:09:23.440 --> 00:09:24.860 Behold your God. 00:09:25.500 --> 00:09:27.740 Behold, the Lord God comes with might 00:09:27.740 --> 00:09:29.800 and His arm rules for Him. 00:09:31.040 --> 00:09:32.920 But then listen how this mighty 00:09:32.920 --> 00:09:34.399 and strong God is described. 00:09:35.480 --> 00:09:37.680 He will tend His flock like a shepherd. 00:09:37.679 --> 00:09:40.899 He will gather the lambs in His arms. 00:09:41.620 --> 00:09:43.479 He will carry them in His bosom 00:09:43.479 --> 00:09:46.659 and gently lead those that are with young. 00:09:49.079 --> 00:09:52.799 Or listen to Ezekiel 34, verses 11 through 16. 00:09:53.479 --> 00:09:55.659 Again, speaking in a similar time period 00:09:55.659 --> 00:09:57.479 as Jeremiah where the leadership 00:09:57.479 --> 00:09:59.019 had failed miserably. 00:09:59.379 --> 00:10:00.620 The shepherds of the people 00:10:00.620 --> 00:10:02.620 had been terrible shepherds. 00:10:02.939 --> 00:10:04.359 But the Lord comes and says, 00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:06.620 Behold, I, 00:10:06.620 --> 00:10:09.720 I myself will search for my sheep 00:10:09.720 --> 00:10:10.799 and will seek them out. 00:10:11.480 --> 00:10:14.100 As a shepherd seeks out his flock 00:10:14.100 --> 00:10:15.799 when he is among his sheep 00:10:15.799 --> 00:10:16.600 that have been scattered, 00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:18.399 so I will seek out my sheep 00:10:18.399 --> 00:10:20.019 and I will rescue them 00:10:20.019 --> 00:10:21.200 from all places 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:22.299 where they've been scattered 00:10:22.299 --> 00:10:24.340 on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 00:10:24.440 --> 00:10:25.860 And I will bring them out 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:26.840 from the peoples 00:10:26.840 --> 00:10:28.560 and gather them from the countries 00:10:28.560 --> 00:10:30.720 and will bring them into their own land. 00:10:31.159 --> 00:10:32.399 And I will feed them 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:33.460 on the mountains of Israel 00:10:33.460 --> 00:10:34.340 by the ravines 00:10:34.340 --> 00:10:36.019 and in all the inhabited places 00:10:36.019 --> 00:10:36.700 of the country. 00:10:37.180 --> 00:10:39.139 I will feed them with good pasture. 00:10:39.639 --> 00:10:41.379 And on the mountain heights of Israel 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:42.780 shall be their grazing land. 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:45.200 There they shall lie down 00:10:45.200 --> 00:10:46.700 in good grazing land. 00:10:46.740 --> 00:10:47.920 And on rich pasture 00:10:47.920 --> 00:10:48.680 they shall feed 00:10:48.680 --> 00:10:49.660 on the mountains of Israel. 00:10:50.200 --> 00:10:51.480 I myself 00:10:51.480 --> 00:10:53.960 will be the shepherd of my sheep. 00:10:53.960 --> 00:10:55.680 And I myself 00:10:55.680 --> 00:10:56.900 will make them lie down 00:10:56.900 --> 00:10:57.980 declares the Lord God. 00:10:58.340 --> 00:10:59.900 I will seek the lost. 00:11:00.680 --> 00:11:02.379 I will bring back the strayed. 00:11:02.960 --> 00:11:04.480 I will bind up the injured. 00:11:05.180 --> 00:11:06.980 And I will strengthen the weak. 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:10.200 What a beautiful picture 00:11:10.200 --> 00:11:11.560 of God 00:11:11.560 --> 00:11:13.519 who gathers 00:11:13.519 --> 00:11:17.060 in full assurance 00:11:17.060 --> 00:11:18.500 that He will always 00:11:18.500 --> 00:11:20.160 have your best in mind. 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:24.139 Now let's apply 00:11:24.139 --> 00:11:25.319 these first few verses. 00:11:25.659 --> 00:11:26.519 And first 00:11:26.519 --> 00:11:27.379 I think these verses 00:11:27.379 --> 00:11:28.199 tell us to 00:11:28.199 --> 00:11:29.600 to beware actually 00:11:29.600 --> 00:11:30.559 of false shepherds. 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:31.360 There are leaders 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:31.799 and rulers 00:11:31.799 --> 00:11:32.659 and people in authority 00:11:32.659 --> 00:11:33.399 who do not have 00:11:33.399 --> 00:11:34.259 our best in mind. 00:11:34.620 --> 00:11:35.779 Who are more concerned 00:11:35.779 --> 00:11:36.620 with their own status 00:11:36.620 --> 00:11:37.179 and wealth 00:11:37.179 --> 00:11:38.120 than they are 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:39.000 with God's justice 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:39.639 and righteousness. 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:41.199 Who are more concerned 00:11:41.199 --> 00:11:41.939 with catering 00:11:41.939 --> 00:11:42.639 to the interests 00:11:42.639 --> 00:11:43.360 of the powerful 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:44.000 and the wealthy 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:45.039 than for caring 00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:45.740 for the vulnerable 00:11:45.740 --> 00:11:46.459 and the least. 00:11:47.379 --> 00:11:48.559 And Jeremiah is telling us 00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:50.059 watch out for rulers 00:11:50.059 --> 00:11:50.699 like that. 00:11:52.199 --> 00:11:53.059 Their words 00:11:53.059 --> 00:11:54.079 may sound appealing. 00:11:54.559 --> 00:11:54.919 Their words 00:11:54.919 --> 00:11:55.479 may even have 00:11:55.479 --> 00:11:56.839 a religious ring to them. 00:11:57.119 --> 00:11:57.279 You know, 00:11:57.299 --> 00:11:58.459 the leaders in Jeremiah's day 00:11:58.459 --> 00:11:59.279 were confident 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:01.539 that God would rescue them 00:12:01.539 --> 00:12:02.139 from Babylon. 00:12:02.359 --> 00:12:02.979 They were quoting 00:12:02.979 --> 00:12:04.359 all sorts of promises 00:12:04.359 --> 00:12:05.139 from the Bible 00:12:05.139 --> 00:12:06.179 that said God 00:12:06.179 --> 00:12:07.079 would never forsake 00:12:07.079 --> 00:12:07.619 His people. 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:08.979 But you know, 00:12:09.019 --> 00:12:09.399 those leaders 00:12:09.399 --> 00:12:11.059 didn't care one bit 00:12:11.059 --> 00:12:12.399 for obedience 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:13.439 to God's Word. 00:12:14.259 --> 00:12:15.019 Nor did they care 00:12:15.019 --> 00:12:16.099 about caring 00:12:16.099 --> 00:12:17.139 for God's people. 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:19.299 So they were willing 00:12:19.299 --> 00:12:20.620 to quote religious phrases 00:12:20.620 --> 00:12:21.539 when it was convenient 00:12:21.539 --> 00:12:22.039 for them 00:12:22.039 --> 00:12:22.720 and their agenda. 00:12:23.519 --> 00:12:25.039 But they did not 00:12:25.039 --> 00:12:26.840 have God's heart 00:12:26.840 --> 00:12:27.580 for His people. 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:30.240 So beware, 00:12:31.059 --> 00:12:31.799 Jeremiah says. 00:12:33.100 --> 00:12:34.379 But at the same time, 00:12:35.220 --> 00:12:35.939 aren't these verses 00:12:35.939 --> 00:12:36.899 also telling us 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:38.480 not to fret 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:40.080 over false shepherds? 00:12:40.679 --> 00:12:41.000 Why? 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:43.200 Because Jeremiah says 00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:44.179 God sees them 00:12:44.179 --> 00:12:45.899 and God will bring them 00:12:45.899 --> 00:12:46.480 to account. 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:47.940 At the end of verse 2, 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:49.279 there's this play on words. 00:12:49.700 --> 00:12:50.659 The word attend 00:12:50.659 --> 00:12:51.639 in the Hebrew 00:12:51.639 --> 00:12:52.379 can be used 00:12:52.379 --> 00:12:53.259 both positively 00:12:53.259 --> 00:12:54.039 and negatively. 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:55.559 God says to the evil shepherds, 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:57.059 you've not attended 00:12:57.059 --> 00:12:57.980 to My people, 00:12:58.940 --> 00:13:01.120 so I'm going to attend 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:01.860 to you 00:13:01.860 --> 00:13:03.080 in judgment. 00:13:03.820 --> 00:13:04.559 It's sort of like 00:13:04.559 --> 00:13:04.919 our phrase 00:13:04.919 --> 00:13:06.100 take care of someone. 00:13:06.840 --> 00:13:07.539 You know how that can be 00:13:07.539 --> 00:13:08.039 sort of positive 00:13:08.039 --> 00:13:08.480 and negative? 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:09.399 You know, 00:13:09.460 --> 00:13:09.899 God says, 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:11.059 you didn't take care 00:13:11.059 --> 00:13:11.639 of My people, 00:13:12.079 --> 00:13:13.539 so I'm going to take care 00:13:13.539 --> 00:13:13.819 of you. 00:13:17.100 --> 00:13:18.579 So, brothers and sisters, 00:13:19.740 --> 00:13:21.360 don't fret 00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:22.879 over bad shepherds. 00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:25.299 You don't have to grind away 00:13:25.299 --> 00:13:26.399 in fear and anxiety 00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:26.980 and worry 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:27.480 and bitterness 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:28.240 and hatred. 00:13:28.840 --> 00:13:29.240 Why? 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:31.039 Because God sees. 00:13:32.039 --> 00:13:32.840 God will call them 00:13:32.840 --> 00:13:33.379 to account. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:35.720 God will judge justly. 00:13:37.159 --> 00:13:38.240 We can entrust 00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:39.159 that judgment to Him. 00:13:39.899 --> 00:13:41.120 And focus on living 00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:41.679 righteously 00:13:41.679 --> 00:13:42.659 and loving our neighbors 00:13:42.659 --> 00:13:43.399 as ourself. 00:13:45.079 --> 00:13:46.139 One more application 00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:47.159 in these first few verses. 00:13:48.039 --> 00:13:49.059 And I think it's this. 00:13:49.959 --> 00:13:51.799 Pray for good 00:13:51.799 --> 00:13:53.100 under shepherds. 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:54.100 In verse 4, 00:13:54.179 --> 00:13:54.579 God says, 00:13:54.759 --> 00:13:55.939 I will set shepherds 00:13:55.939 --> 00:13:56.519 over them 00:13:56.519 --> 00:13:58.199 who will care for them. 00:13:59.740 --> 00:13:59.980 Now, 00:14:00.019 --> 00:14:00.779 we see this promise 00:14:00.779 --> 00:14:01.819 partially fulfilled 00:14:01.819 --> 00:14:03.299 in the very Old Testament 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:03.659 itself. 00:14:04.319 --> 00:14:05.340 God did fulfill 00:14:05.340 --> 00:14:05.980 His promise 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:06.799 in a partial way 00:14:06.799 --> 00:14:07.839 and brought back 00:14:07.839 --> 00:14:08.599 the people of Judah 00:14:08.599 --> 00:14:08.959 and Israel 00:14:08.959 --> 00:14:10.759 from the Babylonian exile. 00:14:11.139 --> 00:14:12.259 And when He brought them 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:14.459 back from the Babylonian exile, 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:15.859 He did raise up 00:14:15.859 --> 00:14:16.839 good leaders 00:14:16.839 --> 00:14:18.519 like Zerubbabel, 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:19.079 the governor, 00:14:19.319 --> 00:14:20.059 like Joshua, 00:14:20.179 --> 00:14:21.179 the priest at that time, 00:14:21.279 --> 00:14:21.979 like Ezra, 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:23.299 the teacher of God's word, 00:14:23.699 --> 00:14:24.539 like Nehemiah, 00:14:24.620 --> 00:14:25.039 the builder 00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:26.439 of Jerusalem's walls. 00:14:27.979 --> 00:14:29.059 And the same is true today 00:14:29.059 --> 00:14:30.259 as God continues 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:31.419 to gather His sheep 00:14:31.419 --> 00:14:33.379 from every tribe 00:14:33.379 --> 00:14:34.439 and every nation 00:14:34.439 --> 00:14:35.799 through the proclamation 00:14:35.799 --> 00:14:36.699 of the gospel. 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:37.699 God continues 00:14:37.699 --> 00:14:38.319 to make good 00:14:38.319 --> 00:14:38.979 on this promise 00:14:38.979 --> 00:14:39.819 to raise up 00:14:39.819 --> 00:14:42.119 good under shepherds 00:14:42.119 --> 00:14:43.479 who can care well 00:14:43.479 --> 00:14:44.279 for the people, 00:14:45.539 --> 00:14:46.859 pastors and elders 00:14:46.859 --> 00:14:47.939 and deacons 00:14:47.939 --> 00:14:49.319 and small group leaders 00:14:49.319 --> 00:14:51.299 who love and lead 00:14:51.299 --> 00:14:52.739 and feed God's people 00:14:52.739 --> 00:14:53.500 through the Scriptures. 00:14:54.739 --> 00:14:55.479 And we should, 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:56.259 all of us, 00:14:56.379 --> 00:14:57.639 pray for our leaders, 00:14:57.639 --> 00:14:59.019 prayers, 00:14:59.019 --> 00:14:59.939 pray that they would live 00:14:59.939 --> 00:15:00.699 lives of holiness 00:15:00.699 --> 00:15:01.600 and righteousness, 00:15:02.559 --> 00:15:03.199 pray that they would 00:15:03.199 --> 00:15:07.539 teach and understand 00:15:07.539 --> 00:15:09.179 God's word rightly, 00:15:09.960 --> 00:15:10.939 pray that they would have 00:15:10.939 --> 00:15:12.460 wisdom and love 00:15:12.460 --> 00:15:15.080 to care for God's people well. 00:15:17.220 --> 00:15:17.899 But we should pray 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:19.039 not just for church leaders. 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:21.620 Paul in 1 Timothy says 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:22.139 we should pray 00:15:22.139 --> 00:15:23.419 for leaders of all kinds. 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:25.399 In 1 Timothy chapter 2, 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:25.879 1 through 2, 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:26.279 Paul writes, 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:26.939 first of all then, 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:27.539 I urge that 00:15:27.539 --> 00:15:28.919 supplications and prayers 00:15:28.919 --> 00:15:29.779 and intercessions 00:15:29.779 --> 00:15:30.480 and thanksgivings 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:31.620 be made for all people, 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:33.159 for kings 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:34.480 and all who are 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:35.339 in high positions, 00:15:36.339 --> 00:15:37.120 that we may live 00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:38.500 a peaceful and quiet life, 00:15:38.799 --> 00:15:39.759 godly and dignified 00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:40.459 in every way. 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:43.120 So we should pray 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:44.259 for our civil leaders 00:15:44.259 --> 00:15:45.779 and we should pray 00:15:45.779 --> 00:15:46.519 for our bosses 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:47.480 and our managers. 00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:48.639 Children, 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:49.240 you should pray 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:50.299 for your parents. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:52.539 Pray for these 00:15:52.539 --> 00:15:53.179 under shepherds 00:15:53.179 --> 00:15:53.879 that they would fear 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:54.679 and love God 00:15:54.679 --> 00:15:56.739 and exercise 00:15:56.739 --> 00:15:57.659 their authority 00:15:57.659 --> 00:15:58.779 in a way that brings 00:15:58.779 --> 00:16:00.459 blessing and care 00:16:00.459 --> 00:16:01.500 and flourishing 00:16:01.500 --> 00:16:03.299 to all those 00:16:03.299 --> 00:16:04.099 that they serve. 00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:07.939 So first, 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:09.139 God 00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:11.039 gathers the scattered. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:13.239 But second, 00:16:13.419 --> 00:16:14.279 Jeremiah says, 00:16:14.979 --> 00:16:16.159 God will keep 00:16:16.159 --> 00:16:17.459 them secure. 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:19.399 They will dwell 00:16:19.399 --> 00:16:20.199 in safety 00:16:20.199 --> 00:16:22.179 and won't be scattered 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:22.639 again. 00:16:23.639 --> 00:16:24.199 God will keep 00:16:24.199 --> 00:16:24.839 them secure. 00:16:26.599 --> 00:16:27.299 But how? 00:16:27.299 --> 00:16:27.739 How? 00:16:28.039 --> 00:16:29.319 How will God 00:16:29.319 --> 00:16:30.199 accomplish this? 00:16:31.739 --> 00:16:32.079 Well, 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:33.139 in verses 5 and 6, 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:34.219 Jeremiah tells 00:16:34.219 --> 00:16:34.719 the people 00:16:34.719 --> 00:16:36.959 that an even 00:16:36.959 --> 00:16:38.379 better 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:39.500 shepherd 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:40.679 is coming. 00:16:41.919 --> 00:16:43.059 The true shepherd 00:16:43.059 --> 00:16:44.500 who will 00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:46.459 reign as king 00:16:46.459 --> 00:16:48.139 and deal wisely 00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:49.759 and shall 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:50.620 execute 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:51.379 justice 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:52.139 and righteousness 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:52.899 in the land. 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:54.480 In other words, 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:55.440 this king, 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:56.120 this shepherd 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:57.419 will be righteous 00:16:57.419 --> 00:16:58.519 through and through. 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:00.779 All of his ways 00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:01.600 will be perfect 00:17:01.600 --> 00:17:02.320 and just 00:17:02.320 --> 00:17:03.019 and caring. 00:17:03.539 --> 00:17:04.160 He will be 00:17:04.160 --> 00:17:05.160 everything 00:17:05.160 --> 00:17:06.660 that the former 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:07.559 kings and leaders 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:08.119 of Israel 00:17:08.119 --> 00:17:08.599 and Judah 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:10.039 and every human 00:17:10.039 --> 00:17:10.440 society 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:11.640 has failed to be. 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:14.400 Jeremiah says 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:14.819 he will be 00:17:14.819 --> 00:17:15.599 a righteous 00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:16.920 branch 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:18.500 out of the line 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:19.039 of David. 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:21.159 Now, 00:17:21.220 --> 00:17:21.500 that word 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:22.500 branch, 00:17:22.659 --> 00:17:22.920 right, 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.539 is obviously 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:24.779 a plant metaphor. 00:17:24.899 --> 00:17:25.420 It's a tree 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:25.819 metaphor. 00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:27.319 That word 00:17:27.319 --> 00:17:27.659 in Hebrew 00:17:27.659 --> 00:17:29.139 means a shoot. 00:17:29.619 --> 00:17:30.539 It's new 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:31.279 growth 00:17:31.279 --> 00:17:32.680 out of the old. 00:17:33.539 --> 00:17:33.720 You know, 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.220 maybe you've 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:35.279 seen that 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:36.099 for yourself. 00:17:36.180 --> 00:17:36.639 You have an old 00:17:36.639 --> 00:17:37.980 plant that seems 00:17:37.980 --> 00:17:38.839 like it's about dead. 00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:40.200 Those are most 00:17:40.200 --> 00:17:40.740 of the plants 00:17:40.740 --> 00:17:41.559 in my life 00:17:41.559 --> 00:17:42.339 at my home, 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:43.079 at my office. 00:17:43.539 --> 00:17:44.220 I have a fake 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:45.019 tree in my office 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:45.639 so that I never 00:17:45.639 --> 00:17:46.180 have to water. 00:17:46.279 --> 00:17:46.759 It's brilliant. 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:48.759 But maybe you've 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.180 seen kind of 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:49.839 these old plants 00:17:49.839 --> 00:17:50.319 of yours 00:17:50.319 --> 00:17:51.299 about dead. 00:17:51.379 --> 00:17:51.779 And then, 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:53.160 to your great 00:17:53.160 --> 00:17:53.839 surprise, 00:17:54.819 --> 00:17:55.799 a new stalk, 00:17:55.920 --> 00:17:56.920 a new branch 00:17:56.920 --> 00:17:57.839 grows out, 00:17:58.400 --> 00:17:59.519 green and full 00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:00.059 of life. 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.420 Isaiah uses 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:04.279 a very similar 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:05.039 metaphor as 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:05.519 Jeremiah. 00:18:06.039 --> 00:18:06.460 In Isaiah 00:18:06.460 --> 00:18:07.059 chapter 11, 00:18:07.180 --> 00:18:07.539 verse 1, 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:08.259 Isaiah says, 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:09.500 there shall 00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:10.700 come forth 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.799 a shoot 00:18:11.799 --> 00:18:13.220 from the stump 00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:13.940 of Jesse. 00:18:14.200 --> 00:18:14.940 That's David's 00:18:14.940 --> 00:18:15.279 house. 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:17.400 And a branch 00:18:17.400 --> 00:18:18.339 from his roots, 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:19.100 from David's roots, 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:20.360 shall bear fruit. 00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:23.299 Notice how 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:25.779 Isaiah describes 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:27.100 the house of David, 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:28.000 that royal house 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:28.360 in Israel. 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:28.960 He calls it 00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:29.779 a stump. 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:31.819 It's cut down. 00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:32.819 It's lifeless. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:34.900 That's how Isaiah 00:18:34.900 --> 00:18:35.579 and Jeremiah 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:36.220 talk about 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:36.740 the house 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:37.819 of David 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:39.240 and by implication, 00:18:39.559 --> 00:18:40.440 all human rulers. 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:43.320 But, 00:18:43.960 --> 00:18:44.680 you see, 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:45.640 through these 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:46.299 two prophets, 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.620 God is telling us 00:18:47.620 --> 00:18:48.980 that merely 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:50.059 human authority, 00:18:51.059 --> 00:18:51.900 merely human 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:52.360 rulers, 00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:54.960 they will never 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:55.820 be the sort 00:18:55.820 --> 00:18:56.360 of king, 00:18:56.460 --> 00:18:56.660 the sort 00:18:56.660 --> 00:18:57.160 of shepherd 00:18:57.160 --> 00:18:58.080 that we need. 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:01.180 But he says, 00:19:02.580 --> 00:19:03.299 out of something 00:19:03.299 --> 00:19:03.880 dead, 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:05.940 God will bring 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:06.400 life. 00:19:06.400 --> 00:19:10.960 out of the old, 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:12.120 he will bring 00:19:12.120 --> 00:19:12.940 something new. 00:19:14.140 --> 00:19:15.080 Out of something 00:19:15.080 --> 00:19:15.580 that looks 00:19:15.580 --> 00:19:17.380 seemingly impossible, 00:19:18.600 --> 00:19:19.360 God will make 00:19:19.360 --> 00:19:19.980 it possible. 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:23.180 And so, 00:19:23.540 --> 00:19:25.360 out of the stump 00:19:25.360 --> 00:19:26.040 of David, 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:27.400 God says, 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:27.900 a branch 00:19:27.900 --> 00:19:28.420 will come, 00:19:29.080 --> 00:19:29.740 a righteous 00:19:29.740 --> 00:19:30.380 branch, 00:19:31.600 --> 00:19:32.660 a new shepherd 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:33.700 who will always 00:19:33.700 --> 00:19:34.600 do what is right. 00:19:34.599 --> 00:19:37.279 And how did 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:37.899 God bring 00:19:37.899 --> 00:19:38.559 this true 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:39.419 and better shepherd, 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:40.279 this righteous 00:19:40.279 --> 00:19:41.339 branch 00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:42.379 of new growth 00:19:42.379 --> 00:19:43.179 into the world? 00:19:45.379 --> 00:19:45.859 Well, 00:19:45.899 --> 00:19:46.299 as we turn 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.019 to the pages 00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:47.819 of the New Testament, 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:49.159 we see 00:19:49.159 --> 00:19:49.959 that the Messiah, 00:19:50.159 --> 00:19:50.659 the King, 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:51.219 the shepherd, 00:19:51.379 --> 00:19:51.639 Jesus, 00:19:51.799 --> 00:19:52.799 came into the world 00:19:52.799 --> 00:19:54.079 conceived 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:55.379 by the Holy Spirit, 00:19:56.159 --> 00:19:56.719 born of the 00:19:56.719 --> 00:19:57.359 Virgin Mary. 00:19:58.559 --> 00:19:59.480 Out of the old 00:19:59.480 --> 00:20:01.299 comes new. 00:20:02.299 --> 00:20:04.079 Out of the impossible, 00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:05.799 comes the possible. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:09.139 And as we follow 00:20:09.139 --> 00:20:10.039 Jesus' life 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:10.879 in the Gospels, 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:11.699 what do we see? 00:20:12.379 --> 00:20:13.319 How does Jesus 00:20:13.319 --> 00:20:14.439 use His authority 00:20:14.439 --> 00:20:15.240 and power? 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:17.339 Does He use it 00:20:17.339 --> 00:20:18.059 to build His own 00:20:18.059 --> 00:20:19.240 wealth and prestige? 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:22.159 Does He amass 00:20:22.159 --> 00:20:22.579 an army? 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.500 Does He take over 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:24.019 territory? 00:20:24.319 --> 00:20:25.159 Does He pillage 00:20:25.159 --> 00:20:25.759 and plunder? 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:28.139 Not at all. 00:20:30.379 --> 00:20:30.859 Rather, 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:31.599 Jesus, 00:20:32.159 --> 00:20:32.919 the good shepherd 00:20:32.919 --> 00:20:34.099 cares for the weak 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:35.079 and the vulnerable 00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:35.759 and the poor. 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:37.819 And He calls 00:20:37.819 --> 00:20:38.839 a group of followers 00:20:38.839 --> 00:20:39.559 of disciples 00:20:39.559 --> 00:20:40.500 and He tells them, 00:20:41.339 --> 00:20:42.479 blessed are the meek 00:20:42.479 --> 00:20:44.000 and the gentle 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:45.299 and the peacemakers. 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.179 Blessed are those 00:20:47.179 --> 00:20:47.979 who hunger 00:20:47.979 --> 00:20:48.899 and thirst 00:20:48.899 --> 00:20:50.299 for righteousness. 00:20:52.199 --> 00:20:53.179 And this true 00:20:53.179 --> 00:20:53.919 and better shepherd, 00:20:54.359 --> 00:20:55.759 He gathers. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:58.160 He gathers 00:20:58.160 --> 00:20:59.180 the lost sheep 00:20:59.180 --> 00:21:00.200 back into the fold 00:21:00.200 --> 00:21:00.759 of God. 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:03.079 In Matthew 11, 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:03.599 Jesus says, 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.579 Come to Me, 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:06.240 all who labor 00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:07.160 and are heavy laden, 00:21:07.240 --> 00:21:08.619 and I will give you rest. 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:10.940 Take My yoke upon you 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:11.720 and learn from Me, 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:12.519 for I am gentle 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:13.460 and lowly in heart, 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:15.359 and you will find rest 00:21:15.359 --> 00:21:16.400 for your souls, 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:18.940 for My yoke is easy 00:21:18.940 --> 00:21:20.960 and My burden is light. 00:21:20.960 --> 00:21:22.900 Can you imagine that? 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:25.340 Yes, Jesus is a shepherd. 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:26.539 He's a king with authority, 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:27.340 but to come under 00:21:27.340 --> 00:21:28.240 this king's authority, 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:30.480 it brings lightness 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:31.059 and ease. 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.259 Jesus says, 00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:36.519 All you who have been 00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:38.019 scattered and scarred 00:21:38.019 --> 00:21:39.000 by uncaring, 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.759 unjust shepherds, 00:21:40.860 --> 00:21:41.240 come. 00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:44.180 Hear the words 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:44.660 of the true 00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:45.400 and better shepherd, 00:21:45.680 --> 00:21:46.920 the righteous branch, 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:48.180 the true king of David. 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:49.960 He says, 00:21:49.960 --> 00:21:50.579 I'm gentle 00:21:50.579 --> 00:21:51.720 and lowly in heart. 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.340 Come to Me 00:21:52.340 --> 00:21:53.539 and I'll give you rest. 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:55.640 And Jesus says 00:21:55.640 --> 00:21:57.000 that when you come to Him, 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:59.980 come under His loving authority, 00:22:00.180 --> 00:22:00.519 He says, 00:22:00.600 --> 00:22:01.559 you'll find rest 00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:02.440 for your souls. 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:08.039 Rest for your souls. 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:11.019 Not scattered anymore, 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:13.500 not thrown and tossed 00:22:13.500 --> 00:22:14.360 and burdened 00:22:14.360 --> 00:22:14.980 and bruised 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:16.319 and preoccupied, 00:22:17.600 --> 00:22:19.360 but rest for your souls. 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:24.059 But how does this 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:25.680 true and better shepherd 00:22:25.680 --> 00:22:27.500 bring this rest? 00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:30.960 Jeremiah tells us 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:31.720 in verse 6, 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:34.079 And this is the name 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:36.480 by which He will be called. 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:42.480 The Lord is our righteousness. 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:46.180 You see, 00:22:46.240 --> 00:22:46.539 Jesus, 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:47.799 our true and better shepherd, 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:48.920 isn't just righteous 00:22:48.920 --> 00:22:49.960 in Himself. 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:52.720 He is the righteous branch, 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:53.860 but He's more than that. 00:22:54.519 --> 00:22:56.579 He has also become 00:22:56.579 --> 00:23:00.079 our righteousness. 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:03.339 Our righteousness. 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:06.139 And friends, 00:23:06.199 --> 00:23:06.759 this brings us 00:23:06.759 --> 00:23:07.500 to the heart 00:23:07.500 --> 00:23:09.639 of the gospel, 00:23:09.779 --> 00:23:11.079 the central message 00:23:11.079 --> 00:23:12.879 of the Scriptures. 00:23:15.439 --> 00:23:16.480 The Scriptures tell us 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:17.799 that there's no one 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:18.720 who's righteous 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.500 before God. 00:23:19.919 --> 00:23:20.919 Romans 3.23 says, 00:23:21.059 --> 00:23:22.439 all of us have sinned 00:23:22.439 --> 00:23:23.299 and fall short 00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:24.220 of the glory of God. 00:23:25.379 --> 00:23:26.959 To imagine that we can have 00:23:26.959 --> 00:23:27.859 enough righteousness 00:23:27.859 --> 00:23:28.720 within us 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:30.279 to be accepted by God 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.440 and to have true rest 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:32.059 for our souls 00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:33.139 is to be deluded. 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:35.339 1 John 1.8 says, 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:36.480 If we say we have no sin, 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.480 we deceive ourselves 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:38.920 and the truth is not in us. 00:23:41.379 --> 00:23:42.259 And so, 00:23:42.399 --> 00:23:43.420 because of that, 00:23:44.559 --> 00:23:46.079 we must look outside 00:23:46.079 --> 00:23:47.000 of ourselves 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:47.899 to another. 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:50.000 We must look 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:50.980 to the righteousness 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:52.420 of another. 00:23:53.859 --> 00:23:55.519 And there's only one person 00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:57.220 who lived a life 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:58.799 of perfect righteousness. 00:23:58.799 --> 00:24:01.319 Jesus Christ, 00:24:01.879 --> 00:24:02.700 God the Son, 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:03.779 the second person 00:24:03.779 --> 00:24:05.279 of the one triune God 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:06.680 who became flesh 00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:08.180 and assumed 00:24:08.180 --> 00:24:09.539 a fully human nature 00:24:09.539 --> 00:24:11.720 so that His righteousness 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:12.919 could become, 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:14.059 as Jeremiah says, 00:24:14.299 --> 00:24:15.659 our righteousness. 00:24:18.659 --> 00:24:20.440 We don't find rest 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:21.279 for our souls 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:22.099 through trusting 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:23.500 in ourselves. 00:24:25.159 --> 00:24:26.819 We only find it 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:27.480 by trusting 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.939 in Jesus Christ. 00:24:29.899 --> 00:24:30.839 By the grace 00:24:30.839 --> 00:24:31.779 of God, 00:24:31.859 --> 00:24:32.439 the righteousness 00:24:32.439 --> 00:24:33.799 that Jesus maintained 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:34.799 becomes ours 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.980 as we're united 00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:36.919 to Him by faith. 00:24:38.019 --> 00:24:38.679 And believers 00:24:38.679 --> 00:24:39.539 have the righteousness 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:40.059 of Christ 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:41.119 imputed to them, 00:24:41.339 --> 00:24:42.240 credit to them 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:42.919 as a gift. 00:24:44.599 --> 00:24:46.460 And our record then, 00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:48.700 because of the righteousness 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:49.480 of another, 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:51.079 our record then 00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:52.839 becomes spotless 00:24:52.839 --> 00:24:54.039 and clean 00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:55.359 and perfect. 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:59.500 And that becomes 00:24:59.500 --> 00:25:00.179 the basis 00:25:00.179 --> 00:25:02.399 of our assurance. 00:25:03.019 --> 00:25:04.099 And that is how 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:05.099 we can dwell 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:06.339 safely, 00:25:07.419 --> 00:25:08.199 securely, 00:25:08.379 --> 00:25:09.199 forever, 00:25:09.439 --> 00:25:10.240 Jeremiah says. 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.059 That's how God 00:25:12.059 --> 00:25:13.000 keeps us completely 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:14.179 and utterly secure. 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:15.079 God accepts us 00:25:15.079 --> 00:25:15.879 on the grounds 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:17.339 of the perfect righteousness 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:17.980 of Christ, 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:19.299 received by faith alone. 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:21.659 Jesus, 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.639 the good shepherd, 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.339 is the Lord 00:25:23.339 --> 00:25:25.539 our righteousness. 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.059 What a gift. 00:25:30.799 --> 00:25:32.039 So two applications 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:33.079 then as we conclude. 00:25:34.159 --> 00:25:34.659 First, 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:37.740 friends, 00:25:38.079 --> 00:25:39.299 if you have not done so, 00:25:40.299 --> 00:25:42.059 receive this true 00:25:42.059 --> 00:25:42.859 and better shepherd. 00:25:44.379 --> 00:25:45.039 He says, 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:45.539 come to me 00:25:45.539 --> 00:25:46.519 and I'll give you rest. 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:47.940 Take my yoke upon you 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:48.720 and you'll find rest 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:49.380 for your souls. 00:25:49.799 --> 00:25:50.940 He freely offers 00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:52.240 His righteousness 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:53.420 to all who believe. 00:25:55.120 --> 00:25:55.940 And if you haven't 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:56.480 done that, 00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:59.039 what are you waiting for? 00:26:00.720 --> 00:26:01.880 Are there questions 00:26:01.880 --> 00:26:03.039 you need to resolve 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:04.799 about the truthfulness 00:26:04.799 --> 00:26:05.900 and the historicity 00:26:05.900 --> 00:26:06.820 of these things 00:26:06.820 --> 00:26:08.660 that the Scriptures 00:26:08.660 --> 00:26:09.680 say about Jesus? 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:12.480 Are there questions 00:26:12.480 --> 00:26:13.420 you need to resolve? 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:15.539 Well then, 00:26:15.880 --> 00:26:16.059 friend, 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:17.519 waste no time 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:19.039 in searching them out. 00:26:21.440 --> 00:26:22.639 Or maybe it's simply 00:26:22.639 --> 00:26:23.379 that you realize 00:26:23.379 --> 00:26:25.160 that your life 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:26.920 will change 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:28.680 if you give your life 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:29.279 to this true 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:29.920 and better shepherd. 00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:32.980 Do you fear 00:26:32.980 --> 00:26:34.759 surrendering your life 00:26:34.759 --> 00:26:35.139 to Him? 00:26:39.180 --> 00:26:39.839 But friend, 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:41.900 what other shepherd 00:26:41.900 --> 00:26:44.100 could you trust 00:26:44.100 --> 00:26:44.100 00:26:44.100 --> 00:26:46.320 more than Him? 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:49.280 Here's a shepherd 00:26:49.280 --> 00:26:50.240 who left heaven 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:50.920 to come 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:51.780 and gather you 00:26:51.780 --> 00:26:52.360 to Himself 00:26:52.360 --> 00:26:53.519 and to gather you home. 00:26:54.620 --> 00:26:55.259 Here's a shepherd 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:55.840 who promises 00:26:55.840 --> 00:26:56.860 that not one 00:26:56.860 --> 00:26:57.860 of His sheep 00:26:57.860 --> 00:26:58.519 will go missing. 00:26:59.900 --> 00:27:00.460 In a parable, 00:27:00.580 --> 00:27:01.320 Jesus says that 00:27:01.320 --> 00:27:02.440 He's like a shepherd 00:27:02.440 --> 00:27:03.060 who would leave 00:27:03.060 --> 00:27:03.580 the 99 00:27:03.580 --> 00:27:04.480 to go search 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:05.160 after the one 00:27:05.160 --> 00:27:06.820 far in the far country 00:27:06.820 --> 00:27:08.740 and upon finding 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:09.320 that one 00:27:09.320 --> 00:27:10.420 would put them 00:27:10.420 --> 00:27:11.220 on His own shoulders 00:27:11.220 --> 00:27:11.980 and rejoice 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:13.120 bringing them home 00:27:13.120 --> 00:27:14.440 and all heaven 00:27:14.440 --> 00:27:15.220 would rejoice. 00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:19.680 Here's a shepherd 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:20.460 who not only 00:27:20.460 --> 00:27:21.500 lived a perfect life 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:22.000 for you 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:23.720 but a shepherd 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:24.620 who laid down 00:27:24.620 --> 00:27:25.560 His life for you. 00:27:27.340 --> 00:27:27.640 You know, 00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:28.680 when the wolves 00:27:28.680 --> 00:27:30.200 of condemnation 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:30.980 and sin 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:31.580 and fear 00:27:31.580 --> 00:27:32.900 came for the sheep, 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:35.060 Jesus stood firm 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:36.379 and He died 00:27:36.379 --> 00:27:37.179 on a cross 00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:39.159 so that no sin 00:27:39.159 --> 00:27:40.859 and no condemnation 00:27:40.859 --> 00:27:42.099 and no guilt 00:27:42.099 --> 00:27:43.559 would ever be able 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:44.519 to stand against 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:45.079 His sheep 00:27:45.079 --> 00:27:46.599 because He paid 00:27:46.599 --> 00:27:47.119 that penalty 00:27:47.119 --> 00:27:47.859 for them. 00:27:49.579 --> 00:27:51.440 There is no greater shepherd 00:27:51.440 --> 00:27:52.440 than the Lord Jesus. 00:27:53.639 --> 00:27:54.579 In trusting Him, 00:27:54.659 --> 00:27:56.639 you have nothing to fear 00:27:56.639 --> 00:27:58.940 and everything to gain. 00:27:58.940 --> 00:28:03.200 But lastly, 00:28:03.299 --> 00:28:03.900 for those of us 00:28:03.900 --> 00:28:04.980 who have come 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:07.000 to see Jesus 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:07.900 as our true 00:28:07.900 --> 00:28:08.799 and greater shepherd, 00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:11.120 remember 00:28:11.120 --> 00:28:13.200 that He has a mission 00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:13.799 for us. 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:16.360 Matthew 9 says, 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.820 Jesus went through 00:28:17.820 --> 00:28:18.600 all the cities 00:28:18.600 --> 00:28:19.140 and villages 00:28:19.140 --> 00:28:20.680 teaching in their synagogues 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:21.360 and proclaiming 00:28:21.360 --> 00:28:22.580 the gospel of the kingdom 00:28:22.580 --> 00:28:24.180 and healing every disease 00:28:24.180 --> 00:28:25.080 and every affliction. 00:28:25.880 --> 00:28:26.440 Then it says, 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:27.740 when He saw the crowds, 00:28:27.740 --> 00:28:29.660 He had compassion 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:30.180 on them 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:32.359 because they were harassed 00:28:32.359 --> 00:28:32.940 and helpless 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:34.259 like sheep 00:28:34.259 --> 00:28:35.019 without a shepherd. 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:36.900 Then He said 00:28:36.900 --> 00:28:37.859 to His disciples, 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:40.440 the harvest is plentiful 00:28:40.440 --> 00:28:42.160 but the laborers 00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:42.640 are few. 00:28:43.900 --> 00:28:44.279 Therefore, 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:45.240 pray earnestly 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:45.819 to the Lord 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:46.500 of the harvest 00:28:46.500 --> 00:28:48.859 to send out laborers 00:28:48.859 --> 00:28:50.319 into His harvest. 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.700 You see, friends, 00:28:53.039 --> 00:28:55.420 we are being sent 00:28:55.420 --> 00:28:57.099 by our great shepherd 00:28:57.099 --> 00:28:58.219 into the world 00:28:58.219 --> 00:28:59.899 to proclaim 00:28:59.899 --> 00:29:00.839 His kingdom, 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:02.559 to care 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.439 for the vulnerable 00:29:03.439 --> 00:29:04.339 and the afflicted, 00:29:04.619 --> 00:29:05.299 to hunger 00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:05.779 and thirst 00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:06.480 for righteousness, 00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:07.740 and to see 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:09.439 with His own eyes 00:29:09.439 --> 00:29:10.179 the fields 00:29:10.179 --> 00:29:10.799 that are ripe 00:29:10.799 --> 00:29:11.599 for harvest. 00:29:13.599 --> 00:29:14.599 There are still 00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:15.799 so many 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:16.659 who are like sheep 00:29:16.659 --> 00:29:17.500 without a shepherd. 00:29:19.199 --> 00:29:19.980 Pray that God 00:29:19.980 --> 00:29:20.980 might use us 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:22.279 as bearers 00:29:22.279 --> 00:29:23.099 of good news 00:29:23.099 --> 00:29:24.699 and that through 00:29:24.699 --> 00:29:25.399 our labors 00:29:25.399 --> 00:29:26.339 God might gather 00:29:26.339 --> 00:29:27.619 yet more to Christ 00:29:27.619 --> 00:29:28.399 our good shepherd, 00:29:28.399 --> 00:29:30.719 that we might live 00:29:30.719 --> 00:29:31.579 in such a way 00:29:31.579 --> 00:29:33.399 that gives evidence 00:29:33.399 --> 00:29:34.259 to the world 00:29:34.259 --> 00:29:35.459 that there is 00:29:35.459 --> 00:29:36.179 a better king 00:29:36.179 --> 00:29:36.539 and there is 00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:37.500 a better shepherd 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:39.039 to live under. 00:29:41.599 --> 00:29:42.980 Now, why can we do 00:29:42.980 --> 00:29:43.599 this work 00:29:43.599 --> 00:29:44.299 with joy 00:29:44.299 --> 00:29:45.639 and with confidence? 00:29:45.640 --> 00:29:48.780 Well, again, 00:29:48.860 --> 00:29:49.400 because God 00:29:49.400 --> 00:29:50.380 has already promised 00:29:50.380 --> 00:29:52.160 that not one 00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:52.740 of His sheep 00:29:52.740 --> 00:29:53.440 shall be missing. 00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:55.140 He knows 00:29:55.140 --> 00:29:56.060 all of His sheep 00:29:56.060 --> 00:29:56.560 by name 00:29:56.560 --> 00:29:58.420 and as we go forth 00:29:58.420 --> 00:29:58.840 living 00:29:58.840 --> 00:29:59.940 and proclaiming 00:29:59.940 --> 00:30:01.000 this good news, 00:30:02.440 --> 00:30:03.140 God promises 00:30:03.140 --> 00:30:04.259 that His sheep 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:05.080 will surely hear 00:30:05.080 --> 00:30:05.860 the shepherd's voice 00:30:05.860 --> 00:30:06.560 and be saved. 00:30:07.400 --> 00:30:07.940 Our part 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:08.300 is simply 00:30:08.300 --> 00:30:09.740 to tell this good news 00:30:09.740 --> 00:30:11.600 with all the joy 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:12.060 and wisdom 00:30:12.060 --> 00:30:12.680 He gives 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:14.080 and God 00:30:14.080 --> 00:30:14.480 will gather 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.000 His sheep 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:17.039 and they will find 00:30:17.039 --> 00:30:18.140 rest for their souls 00:30:18.140 --> 00:30:19.860 in the arms 00:30:19.860 --> 00:30:21.380 of our great shepherd, 00:30:22.220 --> 00:30:23.420 the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:30:24.620 --> 00:30:25.640 Let's pray together. 00:30:28.080 --> 00:30:28.600 Father, 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:29.539 we praise You 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:31.340 for giving us, 00:30:31.460 --> 00:30:31.700 Jesus, 00:30:32.380 --> 00:30:33.460 the shepherd we need 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:35.279 who is not just 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:36.299 righteous in Himself 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:38.880 but who provides 00:30:38.880 --> 00:30:40.460 that much-needed 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:41.019 righteousness 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:42.319 for us 00:30:42.319 --> 00:30:44.019 that we might 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:44.579 find rest 00:30:44.579 --> 00:30:45.460 for our souls 00:30:45.460 --> 00:30:47.079 and be right 00:30:47.079 --> 00:30:47.639 with You, 00:30:48.639 --> 00:30:49.220 our God. 00:30:50.559 --> 00:30:51.519 So help us, 00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:51.759 Father, 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:52.720 to live lives 00:30:52.720 --> 00:30:53.240 worthy 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:55.059 of this good news. 00:30:55.980 --> 00:30:56.779 Help us to take 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:58.200 Jesus' yoke upon us 00:30:58.200 --> 00:30:58.839 and go forth 00:30:58.839 --> 00:30:59.500 as laborers 00:30:59.500 --> 00:31:00.119 into the harvest 00:31:00.119 --> 00:31:00.920 seeking first 00:31:00.920 --> 00:31:01.519 Your kingdom 00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:02.859 and Your righteousness. 00:31:03.940 --> 00:31:04.480 Father, 00:31:04.559 --> 00:31:05.180 we pray that You 00:31:05.180 --> 00:31:05.839 would do 00:31:05.839 --> 00:31:07.420 this gathering work 00:31:07.420 --> 00:31:08.099 in our midst. 00:31:09.319 --> 00:31:10.059 Make good 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:11.059 on Your promise 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:11.980 that not one 00:31:11.980 --> 00:31:12.799 shall be missing. 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:14.319 Father, 00:31:14.399 --> 00:31:15.639 gather all of Your sheep 00:31:15.639 --> 00:31:16.500 to Yourself. 00:31:18.579 --> 00:31:19.159 It's in Jesus' 00:31:19.339 --> 00:31:20.119 mighty name we pray. 00:31:21.119 --> 00:31:21.559 Amen. 00:31:22.179 --> 00:31:22.480 Amen. 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:22.619 Amen. 00:31:22.619 --> 00:31:22.659 Amen. 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:22.659 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:23.619 Amen.