Jeremiah 23:3-6

“I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.” vs. 4

Jeremiah told the people that one day the Lord would give them kings who would usher in a kingdom marked by righteousness and justice. No longer would they be afraid and none would go missing and lost. That prophetic vision took root in Judah and for centuries the people hoped for the arrival of that Peaceable Kingdom. They were still hoping when Jesus came on the scene and when he began to preach that the Kingdom of God was at hand, the people dared to hope that the promises of old were being fulfilled. And they were right, more right than they had even imagined! Jesus did usher in a kingdom of peace, but not one that fit any political category. This kingdom did not depend on the leadership of some king or president, but on the continuing presence of his Holy Spirit. Because it’s a Christ-led kingdom it does not depend on elections or coups or any legislative action. Of course there are some who still hold to the old notions and who believe that our hope and salvation is dependent on some earthly leader. But that’s not how God’s rule works! The Church of Christ is non-geographic and encompasses the entire world and through the Church God is bringing healing and peace, and a powerful message of forgiveness and hope.

Thought for the Day: Why do people put their trust in nations rather than the Church?