Jeremiah 23:6
The sermon highlights the promise of the righteous Branch of David, who will execute judgment and justice in the earth, and the significance of the name Yahweh Tsidkenu, which means the Lord is our righteousness.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the promise of the Righteous Branch of David, highlighting God's rejection of the corrupt kings of Judah and His desire for leaders to have shepherd hearts. He explains that the Righteous Branch, identified as Yahweh Tsidkenu, will execute justice and righteousness, not just for Israel but for the entire earth. Smith draws parallels between the responsibilities of earthly shepherds and the ultimate shepherd, Jesus Christ, who provides for and protects His flock. He encourages believers to rely on the righteousness of Christ rather than their own, as true standing before God comes through faith in Jesus.
Text
I. The promise of the righteous Branch of David.
A. The Lord has rejected this unholy branch of David,
because of the sins of Jechoniah.
1. In the previous chapter the seed of Jechoniah was
rejected from ever sitting on the throne of David.
2. The Kings of Judah had become so corrupt that God
has cut off the royal line of kings that had come
from David through Solomon.
B. In the first few verses of this chapter God lists his
indictments against the kings who were called shepherds.
1. It was the desire of God that the kings of Israel
would have shepherds hearts.
2. He wanted to watch over the people as a shepherd
watched over the flock. With the flock being his
primary concern.
3. David who was a shepherd before being called to be
King was called a man after God's own heart, in that
he never forgot his roots, and ruled the people with
the heart of a shepherd.
4. In the 23re Psalm David expresses just what a
shepherds responsibilities are.
a. He is to see that the sheep are well fed.
b. He is to see that they are kept from danger.
c. He is to lead the flock by example.
d. He is to bind up their wounds.
5. The kings had destroyed and scattered the sheep.
6. In the New Testament, the ministers were also called
shepherds, for the word for shepherd and pastor is
the same.
a. Paul told Timothy to be an example unto the
believer.
b. Jesus said to Peter, "Tend My sheep." Then to
"Feed My sheep.
c. Jesus had announced Himself as the good
shepherd who would lay down His life for the
sheep.
7. The shepherd was held responsible for the condition
of the sheep.
a. These kings were ruling for the benefit of
their own welfare.
b. They were fleecing the flock of God.
C. This Righteous Branch of David will be raised up to
execute judgment and justice in the earth.
1. His reign will not be limited to Israel only. But
He shall reign over the whole earth.
2. There are 5 prophesies in the Old Testament
concerning the coming Branch.
a. Isaiah tells us that He will be a stem out of
the root of Jesse.
b. In this passage he is just promised as the
righteous branch of Jesse.
c. Jeremiah 33:16 a prophecy similar to this.
d. Zechariah speaks of the coming Branch that
will build the house of God.
(1) He also prophesies of the Man whose
name is the Branch.
D. The characteristics of this righteous Branch.
1. He is a King who reigns and prospers.
2. He will execute judgment and justice in the earth.
3. In His days, Judah will be saved, and Israel shall
dwell safely.
II. The name of the righteous Branch. Yahweh Tsidkenu, the Lord
is our righteousness.
A. As we have mentioned in the past, God is not a name, it
is a title. There are multitudes of gods, and each has a
name. Satan is the god of many people. The Bible refers
to him as the god of this world. Many worship him as god.
1.What is the name of our God?
a. When Moses was commanded at the burning bush to
go to Pharaoh and tell Him that God demanded
the release of His people, Moses said when he
asks me your name, who shall I say has sent
me? God told him to answer, "I Am, that I Am
has sent you." Yahweh, I Am, or the becoming
One.
b. It is a name by which God has declared to you
that He becomes to you, whatever you might
need. He is the all sufficient One, He is
sufficient for whatever you might need.
c. Has been called Yahweh Yireh. Our provider.
d. Yahweh Rapha, our banner.
e. Yahweh Shalom, our peace.
f. To those in captivity in Babylon, Yahweh
Shammah, the Lord is there.
g. To us His name is Jesus, Yahweh Shua, our
salvation.
h. To us He is also Yahweh Tsidkenu, for He is
our righteousness.
B. I depend upon my faith in Jesus Christ for my righteous
standing before God. My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus blood and His righteousness, I dare not trust
the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.
1. Paul speak of the righteousness that he had sought
to attain through the works of the law, and how that
he gladly exchanged that for the true righteousness
that he had discovered through Jesus Christ.
2. We have the choice of trying to stand before God
clothed in our own righteousness, or we can stand
before Him in the righteousness of Jesus Christ that
is imputed to us through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Sermon Outline
- The promise of the righteous Branch of David points: - The Lord has rejected this unholy branch of David - The characteristics of the righteous Branch - The name of the righteous Branch, Yahweh Tsidkenu
- The name of the righteous Branch points: - God is not a name, but a title - The name of our God, Yahweh Tsidkenu
Key Quotes
“He is to see that the sheep are well fed.” — Chuck Smith
“He is to see that they are kept from danger.” — Chuck Smith
“He is to lead the flock by example.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We can depend on our faith in Jesus Christ for our righteous standing before God.
- We have the choice of trying to stand before God clothed in our own righteousness or in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
- God's righteousness is imputed to us through our faith in Jesus Christ.