Bible Studies

---

The Scriptures
Jeremiah 23:1-6 - Accountability to Christ
Key Verses: (NLT)

• 1: "I will send disaster upon the leaders of my people - the shepherds of my sheep - for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for," says the LORD." - This is a harsh decree leveled at the king of Judah but it is also an accusation that should encourage all Christian leaders to pause and evaluate their ministry.
  
  
• 2: "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: 'Instead of leading my flock to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them.'" - Leaders are held responsible for the care of those they lead.
  
  
• 3: "But I will gather together the remnant of my flock from wherever I have driven them. I will bring them back into their own fold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number." - Following judgment comes hope.
  
  
• 4: "Then I will appoint responsible shepherds to care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one of them will be lost or missing," says the LORD." - No one will drift beyond the reach of God.
  
  
• 5-6: "For the time is coming," says the LORD, "when I will place a righteous Branch on King David's throne. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. ⁶And this is His name: `The LORD Is Our Righteousness.' In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety." - Christ is King!
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Are you a shepherd? Has God placed you in a position to lead and guide others to Christ? How are you doing? Does everything you do point others to Christ? Or, have you "destroyed and scattered the very ones (you) were expected to care for?" Today, will you look up from your busy schedule and the tasks around you to see who God has sent into your care? Are you ready for those who God sends your way? Will you be willing to lead these people to safety or will you desert them in their time of need?
  
  
• Are you being judged? The leadership of the Israelites had led the nation astray by turning their focus towards false gods and selfish desires. If you, as a Christian, are called to lead others to Christ, what happens when you don't? What is God's response should you choose to ignore the commandments to love God and to love others as your self? What is the result of forgetting about the Great Commission to make disciples of all people? Even with God's forgiveness and salvation in your grasp through your faith in Christ, does God have expectations of you? Should you not respond to His love? Should you not take action?
  
  
• Who are the lost or missing? Are you worried for their salvation? Are you seeking them out with all your heart? Do you seek justice for all? Are you pursuing righteousness? Or, are you being judgmental and self-righteous? Jeremiah talks about a time when Christ the King will rule the earth. Do you realize that this time is now? Do you accept that His love, justice, and righteousness are available to everyone? As a believer will you accept your role to step out in faith and do everything you can to assure that His kingdom will be built in the lives you touch?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

Jeremiah writes about a time when a righteous King will come to rule the earth. Christ is that king and the time of His rule is now. The task that lies before us, the "remnant of (His) flock," is to reach out with loving care so that everyone will be brought back into His fold and "not a single one of them will be lost or missing," As Christians we are leaders by definition; we are to lead others to Christ. We are entrusted with the responsibility to care for those God sends our way. We must be careful that our actions and deeds do not lead people astray or left unattended. It is our calling, our duty, and our responsibility. We will be held accountable. Who has God placed in your care today?

FUMC Devotionals

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE