Read Jeremiah 23:1-8
The Faithless Shepherds (v.1,2). These men are not the prophets and priests (Jeremiah has something to say about them a little later on), they are the civil leaders of the land. As always, when the leaders are corrupt, the common people suffer most. Many of them had become scattered among the neighboring nations. "You have not bestowed care on them" is a terrible indictment to be brought against a leader at any level.
The Reliable Shepherds (v.4). God would have mercy on His people, and a time would come when a remnant would emerge, as had happened in the past. Men like Nehemiah and Ezra would bring security and prosperity where, at the moment, there was only poverty and fear.
The Ideal Shepherd (v. 5,6). It was customary to look back to David as the ideal leader and ruler, but in fact he was only the prototype of One who was still to come - "The Lord is our Righteousness." Notice two of the marks of His reign. He will "deal wisely" and His people will "dwell securely". These two things really go together. The wise ruler brings peace and confidence to his people. Those who submit their lives to Christ find how true this is in a spiritual sense. In His wisdom lies our security.
Prayer: I thank You for Your leadership, Lord Jesus. Give me Your wisdom, so that I might meet whatever life brings me today. For Your love's sake. Amen.
Image: The Good Shepherd
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