5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares 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. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.
One of the most amazing discoveries I have made in Scripture has been the word, “Behold”. It is easy to overlook because what comes after it is usually some exciting news. That is precisely the reason we should not overlook it. In fact, it means, “Look!”. In this case, Jeremiah, writing during the time of the Babylonian captivity, had just finished rebuking Judah for its unfaithfulness and then said, “Behold”. These verses remind us of some of the Christmas passages in Isaiah. The Lord will send a Son who will rule justly and wisely. After everything that happened to Israel and Judah, they would be restored by the righteousness that is the Lord.
Behold! The Lord gave even better news. Not only did that promise refer to the nation God chose, but it was extended to all the nations, including Gentiles. That means, whoever you are and however unfaithful you have been, the rebuke you deserve was delivered to Jesus Christ instead of us. And not only that, behold, the days are coming when Jesus will return to consummate the new heaven and new earth so all the world will worship him. Behold, what a day that will be!
Dear Lord, thank you that we will someday say, “Behold! There is Jesus! Help us to remain faithful and obedient until that day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church