Scattering and Regathering

O. T. #1778  "Scattering and Regathering"
Sept. 15, 2020
Jeremiah 23

LET IT GLOW

Is there anything that is causing you to be afraid? Reassurance is found here in this chapter, so please read on, friend.

Evil shepherds, false prophets, and unrighteous rulers (kings, civil leaders) were common in Judah. The pastors had destroyed and scattered the sheep of God's pasture, the very ones that were expected to care for. (verse 1) That's the bad news.

Now, the good news is that:

• God will gather a remnant of those scattered out in different countries together back in Jerusalem. They will be fruitful and increase. (verse 3)
• He will appoint responsible shepherds over them that will feed them spiritually and care for them. (verse 4)
• The people will not fear, be dismayed, nor lack anything.

The remnant of believers in God would have to go into exile with the rebellious ones. They would be affected because the majority of people were idolaters and immoral. However, God gives them hope.

Dismayed means afraid; discourage; to break down, either violence or by confusion and fear.

Numerous times God's people were reassured by being told to not be dismayed.

Isaiah 41:10 says, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.

Are we trusting God to strengthen us, help us, uphold us with His righteous right hand? He says that He will.


LET IT GROW
Judgment begins at the household of God. In verse 2, we read where the pastors affected the people by:

• causing them to scatter as the flock of God's people;
• drove them away;
• did not visit them.

God said He would visit upon them for the evil of their doings. It was the false priests and false prophets that were supposed to walk close to the Lord, but did not. They prophesied peace when God had proclaimed destruction. They didn't tell the truth that Judah was sinning against God with their idols. They pretended all was well when it was not. They had large enthusiastic audiences and were very popular as a result.

Life Application Study Bible gives us 4 warning signs of a false prophet:

1. They appear to speak God's message, but they do not live according to God's principles.
2. They water down God's message in order to make it more palatable (agreeable or acceptable to the mind).
3. They encourage their listeners, often subtly, to disobey God.
4. They tend to be arrogant and self-serving, appealing to the desires of their audience instead of being true to God's Word.

We should observe if our pastors are like this.

LET IT GO
Let's go back to Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Thank You Father, for the Word of Truth.
You do not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a strong mind.