Jeremiah 23:5-6 Behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper… I. When the people of Christ address Him by this name, it implies A CONTRITE ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT THEY HAVE NO RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THEIR OWN, — that they are destitute of all personal righteousness in which to appear before a holy God. II. When the people of Christ give this name to Him, they declare THEIR SOLEMN PERSUASION THAT THEY REQUIRE A RIGHTEOUSNESS, though they have none of their own, in which to appear before the Holy One of Israel; they not only confess their entire destitution, but acknowledge their indispensable need, of a true and perfect righteousness. III. When the people of Christ address Him by this name, THEY EXPRESS AND PROFESS THEIR FAITH, THAT MESSIAH BEING IN ONE PERSON GOD AND MAN, HAS BROUGHT IN A RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THEIR BEHALF, which is by God accepted for them, and imputed unto them, for their justification. IV. When the people of Christ call Him by this name, they are seen IN THE ACT OF EMBRACING, APPROPRIATING, AND REJOICING IN HIM, as the Lord their Righteousness. "The Lord our Righteousness." It is the language of joy and triumph, as well as of reliance and faith. It is not the spirit only of the drowning man laying hold of the plank, but of the safe and happy, rich and joyful man, realising his safety, and rejoicing in his treasures. "My Beloved is mine, and I am His." Conclusion — 1. See here how wondrous a provision the Gospel has made for at once humbling the sinner and exalting him, — laying him low in his own eyes, and yet gloriously ennobling him. 2. See what a ground of security, of peace, and of everlasting blessedness, the believer in Christ enjoys. 3. Use the subject in the way of self-inquiry, and of direction, according to the result of it. (C. J. Brown, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. |
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