August 30

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-40

Jeremiah pronounces judgment against Israel's leaders who should have protected the people like a shepherd protects his flock. But instead these leaders only protected their own interests. In particular the prophets spoke only their own words rather than proclaiming the word of God, like a true prophet does.

One of those lies really caught may attention because it is one we hear a lot today:

They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’ ” (v. 17)

"Follow your own heart" is something we hear a lot in our world today. But the Bible reminds us that our hearts are deceitful and...desperately sick" (Jeremiah 17:9)

But there is good news int he first part of this chapter. Once again we see God is going to raise u[ a righteous shepherd from the line of David who will rule wisely and execute justice and righteousness. That reign began with the first coming of Jesus but won't be fully realized until his second coming.