Jeremiah 23:1-6 (NRSV)
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Chapter 23Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Verse 2Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Verse 3Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. Verse 4I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. Verse 5The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. Verse 6In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."
Devotion
Shepherds are leaders -- of animals that are often considered quite dumb, but nevertheless, they are still leaders. In Jeremiah 23 we read some prophetic words warning about a dangerous variety of shepherd, those who “destroy and scatter” the Lord’s sheep. The word “shepherd” is likely the most common metaphor, or "guiding image", ministry people use to describe their approach to pastoral leadership. Humans and sheep both need leaders. In particular, they need leaders who can be trusted and not feared. The prophecy in Jeremiah 23 is of a coming shepherd who will shepherd over other shepherds. In other words, he will be a leader of leaders. The “good shepherd” will lead the people and remove their fears by ruling with justice and righteousness. He will be a leader who will teach us to pray for God’s kingdom and God’s will to become realities “on earth as in heaven.” Who is this leader? Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus, the Christ.
Prayer
Lord of righteousness and justice, provide us with leaders we can trust and not fear. Thank you for sending your Son not only to be our good shepherd, but to also be You for us. Amen.