Kings Fail, God Keeps His Promises

The King has come. He has died. He has The King has come. He has died. He has risen again. And today he is pouring out risen again. And today he is pouring out risen again. And today he is pouring out his spirit, the spirit of compassion and his spirit, the spirit of compassion and his spirit, the spirit of compassion and prayer upon the whole world. And prayer upon the whole world. And prayer upon the whole world. And everybody everybody everybody who is moved by that spirit to forsake who is moved by that spirit to forsake who is moved by that spirit to forsake self-justification self-justification self-justification and to turn themselves over to God and and to turn themselves over to God and and to turn themselves over to God and seek justification from him alone will seek justification from him alone will seek justification from him alone will be saved. Jew and Gentile on the same be saved. Jew and Gentile on the same be saved. Jew and Gentile on the same ground. ground. ground. >> The Old Testament is filled with kings >> The Old Testament is filled with kings >> The Old Testament is filled with kings who failed in leading God's people. What who failed in leading God's people. What who failed in leading God's people. What if every failed king in the Bible is if every failed king in the Bible is if every failed king in the Bible is preparing us for the king we actually preparing us for the king we actually preparing us for the king we actually need? I'm your host, Dan Kruever. need? I'm your host, Dan Kruever. need? I'm your host, Dan Kruever. In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper shows that God has fulfilled his Piper shows that God has fulfilled his Piper shows that God has fulfilled his promise by sending a righteous king promise by sending a righteous king promise by sending a righteous king through whom all who trust in him are through whom all who trust in him are through whom all who trust in him are justified.

justified. justified. This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on December Bethlehem Baptist Church on December Bethlehem Baptist Church on December 13th, 1981. Now, what I'd like to do with you this Now, what I'd like to do with you this morning is look at a large text in morning is look at a large text in morning is look at a large text in Jeremiah, beginning back at chapter 21 Jeremiah, beginning back at chapter 21 Jeremiah, beginning back at chapter 21 and moving right on through to 23:8. and moving right on through to 23:8. and moving right on through to 23:8. and see how prophets typically preached and see how prophets typically preached and see how prophets typically preached in those days. How they confronted the in those days. How they confronted the in those days. How they confronted the wickedness of their day. How they warned wickedness of their day. How they warned wickedness of their day. How they warned with threats of judgment. And how they with threats of judgment. And how they with threats of judgment. And how they held out final promise of hope and held out final promise of hope and held out final promise of hope and salvation. salvation. salvation. We'll see the tension here. The threat We'll see the tension here. The threat We'll see the tension here. The threat of annihilation if you do not obey and of annihilation if you do not obey and of annihilation if you do not obey and the promise that there is going to be an the promise that there is going to be an the promise that there is going to be an enduring kingdom for David and his enduring kingdom for David and his enduring kingdom for David and his offspring. The resolution ultimately is offspring. The resolution ultimately is offspring. The resolution ultimately is going to be found in verses 1 to8 of going to be found in verses 1 to8 of going to be found in verses 1 to8 of chapter 23 with that distant hope that chapter 23 with that distant hope that chapter 23 with that distant hope that there's going to come a righteous there's going to come a righteous there's going to come a righteous branch, the king of David. He's going to branch, the king of David. He's going to branch, the king of David. He's going to gather his people and he's going to make gather his people and he's going to make gather his people and he's going to make them new forever.

them new forever. them new forever. Now, a little background on Jeremiah. Now, a little background on Jeremiah. Now, a little background on Jeremiah. Jeremiah the prophet was born in Ana to Jeremiah the prophet was born in Ana to Jeremiah the prophet was born in Ana to a little town northeast of Jerusalem in a little town northeast of Jerusalem in a little town northeast of Jerusalem in about 6:27 about 6:27 about 6:27 BC. He was called by God as a boy of BC. He was called by God as a boy of BC. He was called by God as a boy of about 18 16 to 20 somewhere in there to about 18 16 to 20 somewhere in there to about 18 16 to 20 somewhere in there to be a prophet and deliver his word to the be a prophet and deliver his word to the be a prophet and deliver his word to the southern kingdom to Jerusalem. And he southern kingdom to Jerusalem. And he southern kingdom to Jerusalem. And he prophesied during the last five kings prophesied during the last five kings prophesied during the last five kings that ticked off pretty fast in Israel. that ticked off pretty fast in Israel. that ticked off pretty fast in Israel. Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoakim, Jehoaken, Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoakim, Jehoaken, Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoakim, Jehoaken, and Zedekiah. Now, Josiah, you remember, and Zedekiah. Now, Josiah, you remember, and Zedekiah. Now, Josiah, you remember, was a great king, the reformer. During was a great king, the reformer. During was a great king, the reformer. During his days, the law was discovered in the his days, the law was discovered in the his days, the law was discovered in the temple after having been lost for a long temple after having been lost for a long temple after having been lost for a long time. And he reformed the people, but time. And he reformed the people, but time. And he reformed the people, but that was very shortlived. that was very shortlived. that was very shortlived. And after him, the other four kings who And after him, the other four kings who And after him, the other four kings who finished off Judah were not good kings. finished off Judah were not good kings. finished off Judah were not good kings. And what Jeremiah does in chapter 21 11 And what Jeremiah does in chapter 21 11 And what Jeremiah does in chapter 21 11 to the end of chapter 22 is collect to the end of chapter 22 is collect to the end of chapter 22 is collect together oracles that he delivered to or together oracles that he delivered to or together oracles that he delivered to or about these kings in those last years of about these kings in those last years of about these kings in those last years of Judah. And I want to look at the whole Judah. And I want to look at the whole Judah. And I want to look at the whole unit because this unit leads up to the unit because this unit leads up to the unit because this unit leads up to the promise of the coming promise of the coming promise of the coming righteous branch, the king of David in righteous branch, the king of David in righteous branch, the king of David in the future. First then let's look at the future. First then let's look at the future. First then let's look at 2111 to 229.

2111 to 229. 2111 to 229. This unit is addressed in general to the This unit is addressed in general to the This unit is addressed in general to the house of Judah, the house of David. Now house of Judah, the house of David. Now house of Judah, the house of David. Now what Jeremiah does here is describe what what Jeremiah does here is describe what what Jeremiah does here is describe what a faithful king in general looks like a faithful king in general looks like a faithful king in general looks like and he commands it. For example, verse and he commands it. For example, verse and he commands it. For example, verse 12 of chapter 21. execute justice in the 12 of chapter 21. execute justice in the 12 of chapter 21. execute justice in the morning and deliver from the hand of the morning and deliver from the hand of the morning and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And oppressor him who has been robbed. And oppressor him who has been robbed. And then he accompanies that with a warning. then he accompanies that with a warning. then he accompanies that with a warning. Lest my wrath go forth like fire and Lest my wrath go forth like fire and Lest my wrath go forth like fire and burn with none to quench it because of burn with none to quench it because of burn with none to quench it because of your evil doings. Then he repeats that your evil doings. Then he repeats that your evil doings. Then he repeats that very same thing in chapter 22:es 2 and very same thing in chapter 22:es 2 and very same thing in chapter 22:es 2 and three. He says, "Hear the word of the three. He says, "Hear the word of the three. He says, "Hear the word of the Lord, oh king of Judah. Do justice and Lord, oh king of Judah. Do justice and Lord, oh king of Judah. Do justice and righteousness. Deliver from the hand of righteousness. Deliver from the hand of righteousness. Deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. the oppressor him who has been robbed. the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the And do no wrong or violence to the And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless, the widow, nor alien, the fatherless, the widow, nor alien, the fatherless, the widow, nor shed any innocent blood in this place.

shed any innocent blood in this place. shed any innocent blood in this place. And then again, like before, he adds an And then again, like before, he adds an And then again, like before, he adds an incentive. This time, both a promise and incentive. This time, both a promise and incentive. This time, both a promise and a threat. Verse four, if you will obey a threat. Verse four, if you will obey a threat. Verse four, if you will obey this word, then there shall enter the this word, then there shall enter the this word, then there shall enter the gates of this house kings who sit on the gates of this house kings who sit on the gates of this house kings who sit on the throne of David. See, throne of David. See, throne of David. See, but verse 5, if you will not heed these but verse 5, if you will not heed these but verse 5, if you will not heed these words, I swear by myself, says the Lord, words, I swear by myself, says the Lord, words, I swear by myself, says the Lord, that this house shall become a that this house shall become a that this house shall become a desolation. desolation. desolation. So what we see in these first verses is So what we see in these first verses is So what we see in these first verses is the declaration of what God wants in the declaration of what God wants in the declaration of what God wants in general from a king who sits on the general from a king who sits on the general from a king who sits on the throne of David. What should that king throne of David. What should that king throne of David. What should that king be like? You are to be with your be like? You are to be with your be like? You are to be with your subjects one who lets righteousness and subjects one who lets righteousness and subjects one who lets righteousness and justice rule and rain down on your justice rule and rain down on your justice rule and rain down on your people in all your dealings. Devote people in all your dealings. Devote people in all your dealings. Devote yourself to delivering those people who yourself to delivering those people who yourself to delivering those people who are oppressed by unscrupulous are oppressed by unscrupulous are oppressed by unscrupulous people and don't ever take advantage of people and don't ever take advantage of people and don't ever take advantage of those who are most vulnerable. And he those who are most vulnerable. And he those who are most vulnerable. And he gives three categories. Refugees, gives three categories. Refugees, gives three categories. Refugees, widows, orphans.

Now that's for us too, isn't it? Stop Now that's for us too, isn't it? Stop and pause in passing. If the kings of and pause in passing. If the kings of and pause in passing. If the kings of the Old Testament are charged to be that the Old Testament are charged to be that the Old Testament are charged to be that kind of person and devote their energies kind of person and devote their energies kind of person and devote their energies to that kind of ministry, how much more to that kind of ministry, how much more to that kind of ministry, how much more those of us who follow King Jesus who those of us who follow King Jesus who those of us who follow King Jesus who set that same pattern? set that same pattern? set that same pattern? No matter what your vocation is today, No matter what your vocation is today, No matter what your vocation is today, doesn't matter what you make your living doesn't matter what you make your living doesn't matter what you make your living at, the reason that you're alive is to at, the reason that you're alive is to at, the reason that you're alive is to celebrate the riches of God by meeting celebrate the riches of God by meeting celebrate the riches of God by meeting real needs. real needs. real needs. That's all of us, I think. Doesn't That's all of us, I think. Doesn't That's all of us, I think. Doesn't matter how you make your money. The matter how you make your money. The matter how you make your money. The reason you're on earth is to celebrate reason you're on earth is to celebrate reason you're on earth is to celebrate the riches of God by meeting the real the riches of God by meeting the real the riches of God by meeting the real needs of those people within your reach. needs of those people within your reach. needs of those people within your reach. God's people filled with God's spirit, God's people filled with God's spirit, God's people filled with God's spirit, walking along God's way, will always be walking along God's way, will always be walking along God's way, will always be gravitating toward, gravitating toward, gravitating toward, not away, from the people with the not away, from the people with the not away, from the people with the greatest need.

greatest need. greatest need. Now, not only in this passage right here Now, not only in this passage right here Now, not only in this passage right here does Jeremiah say what God expects from does Jeremiah say what God expects from does Jeremiah say what God expects from kings, but he also repeats that old kings, but he also repeats that old kings, but he also repeats that old tension. If you obey, kings will rule on tension. If you obey, kings will rule on tension. If you obey, kings will rule on the throne of David. If you disobey, all the throne of David. If you disobey, all the throne of David. If you disobey, all promises notwithstanding, this house promises notwithstanding, this house promises notwithstanding, this house will become a desolation. will become a desolation. will become a desolation. Now, the rest of chapter 22 takes three Now, the rest of chapter 22 takes three Now, the rest of chapter 22 takes three of those final kings and zeros right in of those final kings and zeros right in of those final kings and zeros right in on them to show how they failed on them to show how they failed on them to show how they failed miserably in living the way he just said miserably in living the way he just said miserably in living the way he just said a king should live. First of all, verses a king should live. First of all, verses a king should live. First of all, verses 10 to 17 of chapter 22. Shalom, 10 to 17 of chapter 22. Shalom, 10 to 17 of chapter 22. Shalom, which is another word for Jehoahaz. which is another word for Jehoahaz. which is another word for Jehoahaz. Shalom was the son of Josiah, Shalom was the son of Josiah, Shalom was the son of Josiah, but he was deposed from his kingship by but he was deposed from his kingship by but he was deposed from his kingship by Pharaoh Niko of Egypt when Pharaoh was Pharaoh Niko of Egypt when Pharaoh was Pharaoh Niko of Egypt when Pharaoh was coming back from having been beaten by coming back from having been beaten by coming back from having been beaten by the Assyrians and he was taken to Egypt the Assyrians and he was taken to Egypt the Assyrians and he was taken to Egypt where he died. Now in verse 12, Jeremiah where he died. Now in verse 12, Jeremiah where he died. Now in verse 12, Jeremiah predicts this death and exile. And then predicts this death and exile. And then predicts this death and exile. And then in verses 13-1 17 in verses 13-1 17 in verses 13-1 17 he gives the reasons for why Shalam he gives the reasons for why Shalam he gives the reasons for why Shalam experienced such a miserable end. He experienced such a miserable end. He experienced such a miserable end. He says, "Woe to him who builds his house says, "Woe to him who builds his house says, "Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his upper rooms by unrighteousness and his upper rooms by unrighteousness and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor by injustice, who makes his neighbor by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give serve him for nothing and does not give serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages."

him his wages." him his wages." an amazingly practical kind of sin, an amazingly practical kind of sin, an amazingly practical kind of sin, trying to get people for less than they trying to get people for less than they trying to get people for less than they should be paid. And so he's wiped out. should be paid. And so he's wiped out. should be paid. And so he's wiped out. Jeremiah points him back to his father Jeremiah points him back to his father Jeremiah points him back to his father Josiah in verses 15 and 16. Did not your Josiah in verses 15 and 16. Did not your Josiah in verses 15 and 16. Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and father eat and drink and do justice and father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? And then it went well righteousness? And then it went well righteousness? And then it went well with him. He judged the cause of the with him. He judged the cause of the with him. He judged the cause of the poor and needy and then it was well. Is poor and needy and then it was well. Is poor and needy and then it was well. Is not this what it means to know me, says not this what it means to know me, says not this what it means to know me, says the Lord? the Lord? the Lord? Oh, what implications that has for those Oh, what implications that has for those Oh, what implications that has for those of us who say we know the Lord. But of us who say we know the Lord. But of us who say we know the Lord. But Shalom had no eyes for anything but Shalom had no eyes for anything but Shalom had no eyes for anything but gain, not giving. He was only interested gain, not giving. He was only interested gain, not giving. He was only interested in gain. And so he had no business on in gain. And so he had no business on in gain. And so he had no business on the throne of David and he was deposed. the throne of David and he was deposed. the throne of David and he was deposed. Verses 18 to 23, Jehoakim. Verses 18 to 23, Jehoakim. Verses 18 to 23, Jehoakim. Jehoakim was the older brother of Jehoakim was the older brother of Jehoakim was the older brother of Shalom, also a son of Josiah, who ruled Shalom, also a son of Josiah, who ruled Shalom, also a son of Josiah, who ruled 11 years in Jerusalem until he was 11 years in Jerusalem until he was 11 years in Jerusalem until he was killed in his own revolt in 598 BC. Now, killed in his own revolt in 598 BC. Now, killed in his own revolt in 598 BC. Now, Jeremiah predicts in verse 19 that death Jeremiah predicts in verse 19 that death Jeremiah predicts in verse 19 that death says he's going to be cast outside the says he's going to be cast outside the says he's going to be cast outside the city like a donkey and abandoned. And city like a donkey and abandoned. And city like a donkey and abandoned. And then the reason is given in verse 21. I then the reason is given in verse 21. I then the reason is given in verse 21. I spoke to you in your prosperity, but you spoke to you in your prosperity, but you spoke to you in your prosperity, but you said, "I will not listen. This has been said, "I will not listen. This has been said, "I will not listen. This has been your way from your youth that you have your way from your youth that you have your way from your youth that you have not obeyed my voice." Jehoakim was a

not obeyed my voice." Jehoakim was a not obeyed my voice." Jehoakim was a very rebellious and disobedient man, very rebellious and disobedient man, very rebellious and disobedient man, both to his Babylonian overlords both to his Babylonian overlords both to his Babylonian overlords and to the prophetic word of God. He had and to the prophetic word of God. He had and to the prophetic word of God. He had no business on the throne of David, no business on the throne of David, no business on the throne of David, therefore, and he was deposed. therefore, and he was deposed. therefore, and he was deposed. verses 24-30. verses 24-30. verses 24-30. Kona, a shortened form of the word Kona, a shortened form of the word Kona, a shortened form of the word Jeconiah, which is another name for Jeconiah, which is another name for Jeconiah, which is another name for Jehoaken. Jehoaken. Jehoaken. Jehoakim was the son of Jehoakim. He Jehoakim was the son of Jehoakim. He Jehoakim was the son of Jehoakim. He became king when he was 18 years old, became king when he was 18 years old, became king when he was 18 years old, but after 3 months surrendered to but after 3 months surrendered to but after 3 months surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar in one of his early foray Nebuchadnezzar in one of his early foray Nebuchadnezzar in one of his early foray against Jerusalem. 2 Kings 24:9 says, against Jerusalem. 2 Kings 24:9 says, against Jerusalem. 2 Kings 24:9 says, "He did what was evil in the sight of "He did what was evil in the sight of "He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord according to all that his the Lord according to all that his the Lord according to all that his father had done." And then Jeremiah father had done." And then Jeremiah father had done." And then Jeremiah cries out in verse 28. cries out in verse 28. cries out in verse 28. Why are he and his children hurled and Why are he and his children hurled and Why are he and his children hurled and cast into a land which they do not know?

cast into a land which they do not know? cast into a land which they do not know? Oh land, land, hear the word of the Oh land, land, hear the word of the Oh land, land, hear the word of the Lord. Lord. Lord. Kaiah didn't hear the word of the Lord, Kaiah didn't hear the word of the Lord, Kaiah didn't hear the word of the Lord, but like his father before him, rebelled but like his father before him, rebelled but like his father before him, rebelled and therefore was deposed from the and therefore was deposed from the and therefore was deposed from the throne. The decision falls, and this throne. The decision falls, and this throne. The decision falls, and this time it sounds very, very ominous. Verse time it sounds very, very ominous. Verse time it sounds very, very ominous. Verse 30, none of his offspring shall succeed 30, none of his offspring shall succeed 30, none of his offspring shall succeed in sitting on the throne of David and in sitting on the throne of David and in sitting on the throne of David and ruling again in Judah. Now, Jeremiah ruling again in Judah. Now, Jeremiah ruling again in Judah. Now, Jeremiah doesn't mention the last king. He skips doesn't mention the last king. He skips doesn't mention the last king. He skips right over Zedekiah. Zedekiah was the right over Zedekiah. Zedekiah was the right over Zedekiah. Zedekiah was the uncle, not the son of Kona. He reigned uncle, not the son of Kona. He reigned uncle, not the son of Kona. He reigned 11 years until 586. And that date ought 11 years until 586. And that date ought 11 years until 586. And that date ought to ring a bell in your mind because in to ring a bell in your mind because in to ring a bell in your mind because in 586 the Babylonians smash Jerusalem to 586 the Babylonians smash Jerusalem to 586 the Babylonians smash Jerusalem to smitherines. And the kingdom was over smitherines. And the kingdom was over smitherines. And the kingdom was over forever. forever. forever. And never again was there a monarchy on And never again was there a monarchy on And never again was there a monarchy on earth in Israel.

earth in Israel. earth in Israel. Now Samuel had said it years ago. If you Now Samuel had said it years ago. If you Now Samuel had said it years ago. If you do wickedly, you will be swept away, do wickedly, you will be swept away, do wickedly, you will be swept away, both you and your king. And so it both you and your king. And so it both you and your king. And so it appeared that the prophetic threat appeared that the prophetic threat appeared that the prophetic threat rather than the prophetic promise had rather than the prophetic promise had rather than the prophetic promise had the last word in 586 the last word in 586 the last word in 586 BC. But the text of Jeremiah doesn't BC. But the text of Jeremiah doesn't BC. But the text of Jeremiah doesn't stop there. We arrive now at Jeremiah stop there. We arrive now at Jeremiah stop there. We arrive now at Jeremiah 23:es 23:es 23:es 1 to8. And in this text, it begins with 1 to8. And in this text, it begins with 1 to8. And in this text, it begins with another threat, another judgment, but it another threat, another judgment, but it another threat, another judgment, but it moves beyond all judgment to a promise moves beyond all judgment to a promise moves beyond all judgment to a promise sometime in the future which will be sometime in the future which will be sometime in the future which will be picked up and will be irretrievably picked up and will be irretrievably picked up and will be irretrievably good when the King of David rises. good when the King of David rises. good when the King of David rises. Now in verses 1 and two, what Jeremiah Now in verses 1 and two, what Jeremiah Now in verses 1 and two, what Jeremiah does is gather together all the evils of does is gather together all the evils of does is gather together all the evils of Shalom and Jehoakim and Coniah whom he Shalom and Jehoakim and Coniah whom he Shalom and Jehoakim and Coniah whom he calls the shepherds of his people. And calls the shepherds of his people. And calls the shepherds of his people. And he says, "Woe to you shepherds who he says, "Woe to you shepherds who he says, "Woe to you shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my destroy and scatter the sheep of my destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture, says the Lord." Then skipping pasture, says the Lord." Then skipping pasture, says the Lord." Then skipping down, "You have not attended to them.

down, "You have not attended to them. down, "You have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your Behold, I will attend to you for your Behold, I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. evil doings, says the Lord. evil doings, says the Lord. But even the judgment of destruction, But even the judgment of destruction, But even the judgment of destruction, exile, and dispersion exile, and dispersion exile, and dispersion cannot overcome or thwart the promise. cannot overcome or thwart the promise. cannot overcome or thwart the promise. And in verses 3 to 8, a two-pronged hope And in verses 3 to 8, a two-pronged hope And in verses 3 to 8, a two-pronged hope is held out. One side of it, there is is held out. One side of it, there is is held out. One side of it, there is going to be a remnant reathered from all going to be a remnant reathered from all going to be a remnant reathered from all the lands of this people who has been the lands of this people who has been the lands of this people who has been dispersed. And the other prong is dispersed. And the other prong is dispersed. And the other prong is there's going to rise a righteous there's going to rise a righteous there's going to rise a righteous branch, a son of David to sit upon the branch, a son of David to sit upon the branch, a son of David to sit upon the throne of David and his kingdom is going throne of David and his kingdom is going throne of David and his kingdom is going to be great and is going to be forever. to be great and is going to be forever. to be great and is going to be forever. Those two things fit here and I want to Those two things fit here and I want to Those two things fit here and I want to look at these two promises one at a time look at these two promises one at a time look at these two promises one at a time and see how they are being fulfilled and see how they are being fulfilled and see how they are being fulfilled today. today. today. Let's read the first promise. It comes Let's read the first promise. It comes Let's read the first promise. It comes in two halves. First of all, verses 3 in two halves. First of all, verses 3 in two halves. First of all, verses 3 and four, then verses 7 and 8. Then I and four, then verses 7 and 8. Then I and four, then verses 7 and 8. Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out will gather the remnant of my flock out will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven of all the countries where I have driven of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to them, and I will bring them back to them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful their fold, and they shall be fruitful their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will set shepherds over and multiply. I will set shepherds over and multiply. I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they them who will care for them, and they them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed.

shall fear no more, nor be dismayed. shall fear no more, nor be dismayed. Neither shall any be missing, says the Neither shall any be missing, says the Neither shall any be missing, says the Lord. Then skip down to verse 7. It's Lord. Then skip down to verse 7. It's Lord. Then skip down to verse 7. It's repeated again. repeated again. repeated again. Therefore, behold, the days are coming, Therefore, behold, the days are coming, Therefore, behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when men shall no longer says the Lord, when men shall no longer says the Lord, when men shall no longer say, as the Lord lives, who brought up say, as the Lord lives, who brought up say, as the Lord lives, who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of the people of Israel out of the land of the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt. But as the Lord lives, who Egypt. But as the Lord lives, who Egypt. But as the Lord lives, who brought up and led the descendants of brought up and led the descendants of brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel out of the north the house of Israel out of the north the house of Israel out of the north country and all the countries where he country and all the countries where he country and all the countries where he had driven them, then they shall dwell had driven them, then they shall dwell had driven them, then they shall dwell in their own land. Now 70 years after in their own land. Now 70 years after in their own land. Now 70 years after the captivity began in 586, the captivity began in 586, the captivity began in 586, the people started to return and the the people started to return and the the people started to return and the hopes were very high. hopes were very high. hopes were very high. But that can't be the final fulfillment But that can't be the final fulfillment But that can't be the final fulfillment of what is promised here, the return of of what is promised here, the return of of what is promised here, the return of the people after the Babylonian exile the people after the Babylonian exile the people after the Babylonian exile for two reasons. One, the picture here for two reasons. One, the picture here for two reasons. One, the picture here in the prophecy is of a grand era with in the prophecy is of a grand era with in the prophecy is of a grand era with no more dismay, no more fear, no more no more dismay, no more fear, no more no more dismay, no more fear, no more worry, no more threat.

worry, no more threat. worry, no more threat. That has not been the case of Israel at That has not been the case of Israel at That has not been the case of Israel at any time from 586 to this present day. any time from 586 to this present day. any time from 586 to this present day. They have never known a fearless, They have never known a fearless, They have never known a fearless, peaceful rule of their king. And that peaceful rule of their king. And that peaceful rule of their king. And that leads to the second reason why this leads to the second reason why this leads to the second reason why this can't be a final fulfillment. The can't be a final fulfillment. The can't be a final fulfillment. The picture here is that there would be a picture here is that there would be a picture here is that there would be a king, a reathering king, a reathering king, a reathering with a king, with a king, with a king, a righteous branch from all the a righteous branch from all the a righteous branch from all the countries, not just from Babylon. countries, not just from Babylon. countries, not just from Babylon. Now, Now, Now, in verse six, there's a confirmation of in verse six, there's a confirmation of in verse six, there's a confirmation of that last observation. We didn't read that last observation. We didn't read that last observation. We didn't read verse six. Right at the end there, Judah verse six. Right at the end there, Judah verse six. Right at the end there, Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell will be saved and Israel will dwell will be saved and Israel will dwell securely. In other words, the return of securely. In other words, the return of securely. In other words, the return of that southern kingdom, Judah, after the that southern kingdom, Judah, after the that southern kingdom, Judah, after the exile doesn't satisfy the entire exile doesn't satisfy the entire exile doesn't satisfy the entire prediction here. There must be a coming prediction here. There must be a coming prediction here. There must be a coming from everywhere. There must be a return from everywhere. There must be a return from everywhere. There must be a return of Israel and Judah to the land. In my of Israel and Judah to the land. In my of Israel and Judah to the land. In my judgment, nothing has happened since judgment, nothing has happened since judgment, nothing has happened since those days that could qualify as a those days that could qualify as a those days that could qualify as a fulfillment of this prophecy. The return fulfillment of this prophecy. The return fulfillment of this prophecy. The return after Babylon is a partial fulfillment.

after Babylon is a partial fulfillment. after Babylon is a partial fulfillment. The rise of the state of Israel in 1948 The rise of the state of Israel in 1948 The rise of the state of Israel in 1948 and the resurgence of Zionism and the and the resurgence of Zionism and the and the resurgence of Zionism and the return to Israel today is a partial return to Israel today is a partial return to Israel today is a partial fulfillment of the prophecy. But it's fulfillment of the prophecy. But it's fulfillment of the prophecy. But it's only partial even today. And the reason only partial even today. And the reason only partial even today. And the reason I say that it's only partial is not I say that it's only partial is not I say that it's only partial is not because all Jews are not yet within the because all Jews are not yet within the because all Jews are not yet within the borders of Israel. I don't think the borders of Israel. I don't think the borders of Israel. I don't think the prophecy demands that every living Jew prophecy demands that every living Jew prophecy demands that every living Jew will dwell within the borders of Israel. will dwell within the borders of Israel. will dwell within the borders of Israel. What is demanded is that there will be a What is demanded is that there will be a What is demanded is that there will be a gathered people. It will be a people in gathered people. It will be a people in gathered people. It will be a people in peace and security. and all those who peace and security. and all those who peace and security. and all those who want to return to the Lord and to the want to return to the Lord and to the want to return to the Lord and to the land will have the freedom to do so. land will have the freedom to do so. land will have the freedom to do so. The real reason that I say this is only The real reason that I say this is only The real reason that I say this is only a partial fulfillment. Even what we see a partial fulfillment. Even what we see a partial fulfillment. Even what we see happening today is this.

happening today is this. happening today is this. If we were to approach Jeremiah today If we were to approach Jeremiah today If we were to approach Jeremiah today and say to Jeremiah, "Your prophecy is and say to Jeremiah, "Your prophecy is and say to Jeremiah, "Your prophecy is is being fulfilled. is being fulfilled. is being fulfilled. The people are returning to the land. A The people are returning to the land. A The people are returning to the land. A nation has been created for the nation has been created for the nation has been created for the Israelites. They dwell in prosperity and Israelites. They dwell in prosperity and Israelites. They dwell in prosperity and security. security. security. Jeremiah would look at us and say, "Yes, Jeremiah would look at us and say, "Yes, Jeremiah would look at us and say, "Yes, yes." yes." yes." And the righteous branch, And the righteous branch, And the righteous branch, the son of David, the king of Israel, the son of David, the king of Israel, the son of David, the king of Israel, what of him? And we would have to say, well, And we would have to say, well, most of them don't believe in him. most of them don't believe in him. most of them don't believe in him. The liberal ones have sort of dethized The liberal ones have sort of dethized The liberal ones have sort of dethized the Messiah into a an ethic of love, and the Messiah into a an ethic of love, and the Messiah into a an ethic of love, and the more conservative ones have have the more conservative ones have have the more conservative ones have have rejected him outright and are waiting rejected him outright and are waiting rejected him outright and are waiting for another. for another. for another. And you know what Jeremiah would say?

And you know what Jeremiah would say? And you know what Jeremiah would say? He would say, He would say, He would say, "You mean they've come back without "You mean they've come back without "You mean they've come back without their king? their king? their king? You mean they presume to dwell in You mean they presume to dwell in You mean they presume to dwell in prosperity and enjoy security prosperity and enjoy security prosperity and enjoy security without the Christ? without the Christ? without the Christ? You mean they're seeking to vindicate You mean they're seeking to vindicate You mean they're seeking to vindicate themselves themselves themselves to maintain their own right? They live to maintain their own right? They live to maintain their own right? They live in the land in rebellion against the in the land in rebellion against the in the land in rebellion against the king, the son of David, the righteous king, the son of David, the righteous king, the son of David, the righteous branch. You call that a fulfillment of branch. You call that a fulfillment of branch. You call that a fulfillment of my prophecy? It's blasphemy. my prophecy? It's blasphemy. my prophecy? It's blasphemy. It's idolatry. We're back where we It's idolatry. We're back where we It's idolatry. We're back where we started. And he would be right. And he would be right. Zionism without the Christ is idolatry. The attempt of Israel to fulfill the The attempt of Israel to fulfill the first half of Jeremiah's prophecy first half of Jeremiah's prophecy first half of Jeremiah's prophecy without the second half of Jeremiah's without the second half of Jeremiah's without the second half of Jeremiah's prophecy is insurrection prophecy is insurrection prophecy is insurrection against the King of Kings.

against the King of Kings. against the King of Kings. The first half of the prophecy you The first half of the prophecy you The first half of the prophecy you heard, the second half is in verses four heard, the second half is in verses four heard, the second half is in verses four and five. Behold, the days are coming, and five. Behold, the days are coming, and five. Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for says the Lord, when I will raise up for says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch, and he shall David a righteous branch, and he shall David a righteous branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the execute justice and righteousness in the execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days, Judah will be saved. land. In his days, Judah will be saved. land. In his days, Judah will be saved. In his days, In his days, In his days, Judah will be saved and Israel will Judah will be saved and Israel will Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell securely. dwell securely. dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be And this is the name by which he will be And this is the name by which he will be called the Lord. Jehovah called the Lord. Jehovah called the Lord. Jehovah is our righteousness. is our righteousness. is our righteousness. And that king is no other than Jesus And that king is no other than Jesus And that king is no other than Jesus Christ our Lord. As many Jews 2,000 Christ our Lord. As many Jews 2,000 Christ our Lord. As many Jews 2,000 years ago recognized, remember the words years ago recognized, remember the words years ago recognized, remember the words of the old pious devout Jew Zechariah of the old pious devout Jew Zechariah of the old pious devout Jew Zechariah when Jesus was born. He said, "Blessed when Jesus was born. He said, "Blessed when Jesus was born. He said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has be the Lord God of Israel, for he has be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has visited and redeemed his people and has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in raised up a horn of salvation for us in raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David as he the house of his servant David as he the house of his servant David as he spoke by the mouth of his prophets of spoke by the mouth of his prophets of spoke by the mouth of his prophets of old."

old." old." Jeremiah said that his name would be Jeremiah said that his name would be Jeremiah said that his name would be Jehovah is our righteousness. Now, what Jehovah is our righteousness. Now, what Jehovah is our righteousness. Now, what does that mean? I think it means this. does that mean? I think it means this. does that mean? I think it means this. God alone, Jehovah alone, not we, God alone, Jehovah alone, not we, God alone, Jehovah alone, not we, can save, vindicate and justify his can save, vindicate and justify his can save, vindicate and justify his sinful people. He alone, is righteous sinful people. He alone, is righteous sinful people. He alone, is righteous and can make righteous. Jehovah is our and can make righteous. Jehovah is our and can make righteous. Jehovah is our righteousness. But that's the name of righteousness. But that's the name of righteousness. But that's the name of the king, the Messiah. the king, the Messiah. the king, the Messiah. And when you put those two facts And when you put those two facts And when you put those two facts together, it seems that what he's saying together, it seems that what he's saying together, it seems that what he's saying is we must look to Jehovah alone for our is we must look to Jehovah alone for our is we must look to Jehovah alone for our righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. But we must look through and to the But we must look through and to the But we must look through and to the King, the Messiah, for the application King, the Messiah, for the application King, the Messiah, for the application and the ministry of that righteousness.

and the ministry of that righteousness. and the ministry of that righteousness. But Israel will not do it. Is it not But Israel will not do it. Is it not But Israel will not do it. Is it not still true today what Paul said of still true today what Paul said of still true today what Paul said of Israel 2,000 years ago? Israel 2,000 years ago? Israel 2,000 years ago? They have a zeal for God, but it is not They have a zeal for God, but it is not They have a zeal for God, but it is not according to knowledge. according to knowledge. according to knowledge. For For For being ignorant of the righteousness of being ignorant of the righteousness of being ignorant of the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own God and seeking to establish their own God and seeking to establish their own righteousness, righteousness, righteousness, they will not submit themselves to the they will not submit themselves to the they will not submit themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the righteousness of God. For Christ is the righteousness of God. For Christ is the goal of the law unto righteousness to goal of the law unto righteousness to goal of the law unto righteousness to everyone who believes and they won't everyone who believes and they won't everyone who believes and they won't have it. have it. have it. They will establish their own. Zionism They will establish their own. Zionism They will establish their own. Zionism without Christ is a massive attempt at without Christ is a massive attempt at without Christ is a massive attempt at self-justification. self-justification. self-justification. It is a massive It is a massive It is a massive insubordination against Jehovah and his insubordination against Jehovah and his insubordination against Jehovah and his righteousness. And it is a massive righteousness. And it is a massive righteousness. And it is a massive insurrection insurrection insurrection against the King of Kings, the son of against the King of Kings, the son of against the King of Kings, the son of David. And therefore, even those of us David. And therefore, even those of us David. And therefore, even those of us who see in this historical development a who see in this historical development a who see in this historical development a step towards fulfillment and the glory step towards fulfillment and the glory step towards fulfillment and the glory to come.

to come. to come. Even we have caused to weep with Even we have caused to weep with Even we have caused to weep with Jeremiah and Paul that Israel is lost Jeremiah and Paul that Israel is lost Jeremiah and Paul that Israel is lost forever without the Christ. forever without the Christ. forever without the Christ. But in conclusion, it is not as though But in conclusion, it is not as though But in conclusion, it is not as though the word of God has fallen. the word of God has fallen. the word of God has fallen. Millions of people have bowed the knee Millions of people have bowed the knee Millions of people have bowed the knee before the King of Kings and submitted before the King of Kings and submitted before the King of Kings and submitted to the righteousness of God. Have owned to the righteousness of God. Have owned to the righteousness of God. Have owned the Messiah whose name is Jehovah is my the Messiah whose name is Jehovah is my the Messiah whose name is Jehovah is my righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. And not only that, not only is there a And not only that, not only is there a And not only that, not only is there a glorious people of God who have bowed glorious people of God who have bowed glorious people of God who have bowed the knee to the Messiah, the knee to the Messiah, the knee to the Messiah, but one day, but one day, but one day, one day God by his spirit is going to one day God by his spirit is going to one day God by his spirit is going to draw all Israel into the family of the draw all Israel into the family of the draw all Israel into the family of the redeemed. redeemed. redeemed. brokenoff branches are going to be brokenoff branches are going to be brokenoff branches are going to be grafted in to the branch of David.

grafted in to the branch of David. grafted in to the branch of David. Now, that does not mean Now, that does not mean Now, that does not mean that every Jew who ever lived will be that every Jew who ever lived will be that every Jew who ever lived will be saved. What it means is this. Sometime saved. What it means is this. Sometime saved. What it means is this. Sometime in the future and probably not too in the future and probably not too in the future and probably not too distant, there is going to be a whole distant, there is going to be a whole distant, there is going to be a whole people of Israel who dramatically turn people of Israel who dramatically turn people of Israel who dramatically turn to Jesus Christ as their Messiah, the to Jesus Christ as their Messiah, the to Jesus Christ as their Messiah, the crucified one. Here's the way Zechariah crucified one. Here's the way Zechariah crucified one. Here's the way Zechariah described it in chapter 12. described it in chapter 12. described it in chapter 12. I will pour out on the house of David I will pour out on the house of David I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of compassion and supplication, spirit of compassion and supplication, spirit of compassion and supplication, so that when they look on him whom they so that when they look on him whom they so that when they look on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him have pierced, they shall mourn for him have pierced, they shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only child and weep as one mourns for an only child and weep as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly over him as one weeps bitterly over him as one weeps bitterly over him as one weeps for a firstborn. for a firstborn. for a firstborn. Jeremiah's word has not fallen. The King Jeremiah's word has not fallen. The King Jeremiah's word has not fallen. The King has come. He has died. He has risen has come. He has died. He has risen has come. He has died. He has risen again. And today he is pouring out his again. And today he is pouring out his again. And today he is pouring out his spirit, the spirit of compassion and spirit, the spirit of compassion and spirit, the spirit of compassion and prayer upon the whole world. And prayer upon the whole world. And prayer upon the whole world. And everybody everybody everybody who is moved by that spirit to forsake who is moved by that spirit to forsake who is moved by that spirit to forsake self-justification self-justification self-justification and to turn themselves over to God and and to turn themselves over to God and and to turn themselves over to God and seek justification from him alone will seek justification from him alone will seek justification from him alone will be saved. Jew and Gentile on the same

be saved. Jew and Gentile on the same be saved. Jew and Gentile on the same ground. ground. ground. I think the breeze is already blowing I think the breeze is already blowing I think the breeze is already blowing over Israel. over Israel. over Israel. We hear reports of it in this land and We hear reports of it in this land and We hear reports of it in this land and all over the world. all over the world. all over the world. And my desire is that we will say with And my desire is that we will say with And my desire is that we will say with Paul this morning, my heart's desire and Paul this morning, my heart's desire and Paul this morning, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they prayer to God for them is that they prayer to God for them is that they might be saved. Even so, come Lord might be saved. Even so, come Lord might be saved. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Thank you for joining us for this Thank you for joining us for this Thank you for joining us for this episode of Light and Truth, where we are episode of Light and Truth, where we are episode of Light and Truth, where we are committed to providing God- centered committed to providing God- centered committed to providing God- centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Kruever. On our next episode, John Dan Kruever. On our next episode, John Dan Kruever. On our next episode, John Piper continues our nine-part series, Piper continues our nine-part series, Piper continues our nine-part series, From Creation to Christ, with a message From Creation to Christ, with a message From Creation to Christ, with a message titled God Entered His Story. I hope titled God Entered His Story. I hope titled God Entered His Story. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, you'll join us. For more resources, you'll join us. For more resources, visit desiring.org.