First Baptist Church Litchfield
chapel 3/26
  • Your Love
  • Small as a Mustard Seed (Matthew 17:20)
  • Lead Me To The Cross
  • Sovereign One
  • Carry It On Philippians 1:8
  • Your Life Is Hidden Colossians 3:2-3

  • God created all that is. Therefore, all that is is His (Genesis 1-2).

    Adam and Eve wanted to be their own; Rebellion in their hearts was sown (Genesis 3:1-3).

    Judgment to the snake God spoke, And hope in Adam’s heart awoke (Genesis 3:9; 14-19).

    So, “mother of the living,” he named his wife, For her seed is the source of life (Genesis 3:20-24).

    People never did do good, but God saved Noah at the flood (Genesis 6-9)

    Land, Seed, and Blessing God promised to Abram, and the nations, also would be blessed in him (Genesis 12: 2-3; 15:5-6)

    From Egypt God His People saved, and at Sinai, the Law He gave (Exodus 7-14; 20:1-3)

    Then by God’s power the land they took, but then, their good God they forsook (Joshua 11:23; 21:43-45; 1 Samuel 8:7-8)

    God raised up David as their King, God’s rich mercy, he did sing (1 Samuel 17:49; 2 Samuel 22:50-51)

    David’s Sons Forsook the Lord and Did not Keep His Holy Word 1 Kings 11:4

    The people kept not God’s commands and He drove them from the land (2 Kings 23:27)

    Then From Exile They Returned and for Messiah they did yearn (Jeremiah 23:5)

    Return from Exile

    The Promised Land was meant to represent a divine kingdom where God would reside with His people, but His people could not reside with him. So God, exiled them from the Land. God’s discipline, however, was not forever. In time, after they humbled themselves, He brought them back from exile to His Land. Following their return under Cyrus, Israel rebuilt the temple with leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah; however, the temple did not regain its former glory, and the people still faced oppression. A genuine return from exile demanded more than just physical restoration; it required spiritual renewal, a sincere love for God, with a call for the people's obedience and righteousness. Prophets envisioned a dual return—not only to the land but also to God, climaxing in a new Jerusalem embracing all nations. Ultimately, while the Old Testament ends without the realization of these promises, it fosters hope for their fulfillment, which the New Testament later addresses.
    Isaiah 38- 55 outlines Israel's return from exile, emphasizing two key stages: the physical return from Babylon and the spiritual redemption from sin. This return is compared to a new exodus, with God portrayed as Israel's closest relative ready to "redeem" His people, paralleling their liberation from Egypt. The redemption process consists of two main events: the release involving physical return and forgiveness concerning the people's sins and broken covenant. The narratives in Ezra and Nehemiah show that, although the people returned, their relationship with God continued to face challenges, especially in terms of social justice. Complete restoration will happen only when God forgives their sins, rebuilds the temple, and reinstates His presence among them. This will be completley fulfilled when Jesus, the Son of David, comes to live a perfect life, die on a cross to atone for our sin, rise from the grave as a perfect sacrifice, ascends into heaven, and pours out his spirit, ensuring all who put their faith in him are forgiven and made righteous in the sight of God-securing their eternity with Him forever.
    So, this morning, I want you to learn from Israel’s exile and return to the land, is

    In times of despair, we are reminded to turn our hearts towards Christ, our true hope, who fulfills the promise of a righteous and just ruler in our lives.

    Jeremiah called to announce repentance and hope

    God calls Jeremiah to serve Judah and the nations during challenging times (1:1–3). He encourages the hesitant Jeremiah (vv. 4–8) to remind Judah of the serious consequences of breaking their sacred promises (vv. 9–10, 13–16; cf. Lev. 26:14–39; Deut. 28:15–68), while also sending him to share a message of hope for the future (Jer. 1:10; cf. Deut. 30:1–10). God reassures Jeremiah that while he may face strong opposition (Jer. 1:17–19), he will always be there with him, offering protection (v. 19) and giving him the strength of His infallible Word (vv. 7–9, 11–12).
    Amidst the foreboding of exile, God sends Jeremiah to reveal sin and guide the people towards repentance (chs. 2–29). God’s readiness to forgive his people remains steadfast, in line with His covenant promises (Exodus 32–34; Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 27–28; 30). Unfortunately, Judah finds itself trapped in unfaithfulness (Jer. 2:1–3:5). They stray from God’s commandments (7:1–8:3), turn to idols instead of worshiping their Creator (ch. 10), and place their trust in misleading prophets (20:1–6; 23:9–40; 28:1–17). This situation brings understandable grief to both God and Jeremiah (9:1–6; 11:18–12:13). They will be exiled and it will be hard. But exile does not have the last word. God promises the coming of the Messiah (23:1–8) and ensures the safety of the persecuted Jeremiah (e.g., 11:18–23).

    Promise of a Righteous Ruler

    Jeremiah 23:5 ESV
    5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
    The Lord announces judgment at the failure of Judah’s evil leaders (“shepherds”) to care for and protect his people (“sheep”), who have fallen into exile (“scattered”). God promises to shepherd them back to the land himself and provide faithful shepherds to care for them, so they may live without fear and prosper (vv. 1–4).
    God prophesies through Jeremiah, “I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king” (v. 5). This foretells the Messiah, who will be a branch from David’s family tree (a descendant of King David) and thus heir to God’s promises in 2 Samuel 7:11–17. The Lord says to King David,
    2 Samuel 7:11–17 ESV
    11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’ ” 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
    God promises a Son will come to David many many years from David’s death. He will be God’s Son, and He will rule wisely and justly and will bring salvation to Judah and Israel. Furthermore, “He will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness,’ ” signifying the Lord’s saving presence and deeds (Jer. 23:6). This is a wordplay on the name of Zedekiah, the new king, whose name means “the Lord is my righteousness.” Zedekiah, whom Nebuchadnezzar will capture, blind, and take to Babylon, fails miserably, but the Coming One will succeed as the Lord’s representative.
    Throughout the Scriptures, Christ is depicted as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and Jeremiah amplifies this by introducing the Righteous Branch, showing that God’s plan for salvation and restoration centers on Jesus.
    The return from exile, followed by the Messiah’s reign, shall be so renowned as to overshadow the exodus, the great redemptive event in the OT (vv. 7–8). God’s people will enjoy peace from both external threats and internal troubles.
    God did bring many Israelites back from captivity, but the prophecy points to the coming of Christ, who reigns now spiritually in heaven and, when he returns, will reign over the whole earth in righteousness forever.

    We yearn for the return of the Messiah

    We are in a second advent. Right now we are wait for Jesus to return once again. The first time he came, he came in poverty and humility, as a baby born into an animal stable, laid in a feeding trough. He grew up as a carpenters son. He was subject to our sinful world through tiredness, hunger, and thirsts. He died at the hands of evil men so evil men can have the opportunity to be welcomed into the open arms of a holy God. He is coming back to receive all who trust him.
    Revelation 19:11–16 ESV
    11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
    When he returns, he will come as a warrior King riding on a horse. With one word he will destory his enemies. He will judge the living and the dead. The world has not ever seen such a king, and when he returns there will be no king to match him. He will restore the earth and rule with perfect righteousness, peace, and justice, and His kingdom will know no end. He will dwell with his people, and his people will never be taken from him. Under the rule of Jesus, there is no such thing as exile. Jesus will unite heaven and earth forever.
    Revelation 21:2–4 ESV
    2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
    God’s plan is to abolish the gulf between the spiritual and physical worlds. There will be no divided loyalties or divided realms. There will be one cosmos, one universe united under one Lord —forever. This is the unstoppable plan of God. This is where history is headed. God will live with us on the New Earth. That will bring all things in Heaven and on Earth together (Randy Alcorn).

    What will it mean for God to dwell among us?

    Leviticus 26:11–12 ESV
    11 I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. 12 And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.
    Ezekiel 37:27 ESV
    27 My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
    2 Corinthians 6:16 ESV
    16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
    God will actually come to live among us on the New Earth. God’s Son didn’t become a man temporarily, but permanently. His incarnation will last forever, and his throne —and hence his home —will be on the New Earth. We will not have to leave home to visit God, nor will God leave home to visit us. In the new universe, we’ll never be able to travel far enough to leave God’s presence. Even if we could, we’d never want to.
    Hebrews 11:16 ESV
    16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
    Revelation 21:3 ESV
    3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
    Revelation 22:14 ESV
    14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
    Not only will God come to dwell with us on Earth, he will also bring with him the New Jerusalem, an entire city of people, structures, streets, walls, rivers, and trees that is now in the present Heaven. Just as the Holy of Holies contained the dazzling presence of God in ancient Israel, so the New Jerusalem will contain his presence —but on a much larger scale —on the New Earth. We will be able to come physically, through wide open gates, to God’s throne. We yearn for this day, therefore, we yearn for the Messiah to make it a reality. We long for him to come back fix what is broken.
    In Jeremiah 23:5, God promises to raise up a righteous branch from David's line, indicating hope and a future deliverer, the Messiah, who will reign wisely and bring justice. In times of uncertainty and longing for justice in our own lives, we must look to Jesus, the Righteous Branch, who fulfills this promise and offers hope. It can encourage Christians to live in anticipation of Christ’s return, maintaining faith during challenging times.God is faithful in bringing forth a Savior who embodies righteousness and justice, affirming that our hope in Christ is not misplaced. You must rely on God’s promises and recognize Jesus' role in God’s redemptive plan.
  • Empowered by the Spirit, Guided by the Word
First Baptist Church Litchfield
pastorjason.fbcl@gmail.com
217-324-4232
http://www.firstbaptistlitchfield.org/
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