Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 9, 2023

Good News for Scattered Sheep

Jeremiah 23:1-8

1. Background

• “leaves” from the last years of Judah (21-26): a misruled and mistaught people
• contrast: scattering and gathering shepherds (Ezek. 34:31, John 10:11)

2. The Problem of Unattended Sheep 1-4

• the LORD’s attention to the inattentive
• identification of “shepherds”
• gathering of the remnant

3. The Promise of the Ultimate Shepherd 5-6

• messianic prophecy: raise up for David a Righteous Branch (33:14-16)
• salvation and security as a result of His administration (Isa. 52:13)
• His identity: The LORD is our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30-31, Phil. 3:8-11)

4. The Perspective of an Updated Status 7-8

• significance of “As the LORD lives…”
• parting the Red Sea of political tape
• pointing to a greater exodus

5. So What?

• Assured that He gets all of His sheep safely home, rely on the LORD’S provision of the ultimate Shepherd.
• Consider the connection to Christ: Matt. 9:36, 1 Pet. 5:4, Heb. 13:20-21, Lk. 15:3-7
• “Scripture is composed with a specific purpose: to show the glory of God through the exaltation of Christ as He reconciles man to God.” (Smith)
• “Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me, and on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me…And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise within Thy house forever.” (Baker, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”)