Here is the link:
http://www.ibs.org/niv/passagesearch.php?passage_request=Jeremiah+23%3A1-6&submit=Lookup&display_option=columns&niv=yes
I think it means we should pray for the pastors, priests etc and leaders who cause disunity in the body of Christ lest they fall under this Judgement, What do you think?
2006-07-24 10:13:52 · 16 answers · asked by Makemeaspark 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The passage in Jeremiah 23.1-3 is a Messianic oracle from the prophet. The basic theme is that Yahweh will not abandon Israel to the corruption of ambitious or indifferent rulers. The text is speaking more to king Zedekiah, who was a puppet monarch. Yahweh is promising the coming of His Word to restore the people and the land.
That is what the passage meant to the people of Jeremiah's time and the circumstances they were dealing with. However, today we use it as a reminder of how all leaders (either monarchs or presidents) and religious (especially popes to priests) that their office, given by God, is for the service of the people. I myself favor this passage because it reminds me how NOT to perform my office as a priest. I am not to destroy, scatter, drive away, and be inattentive to them.
Still, the passage is not one of doom and gloom. It is a message of hope and redemption. God will provide for His people and provide good leaders and priests. This He has done through the ages. Blessed be His name forever. And I do agree it is good to pray for both religious and political leaders that they all may be good shepherds in the image of God The Chief Shepherd.
May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let the light of His face shine upon you.
God's and your beast of burden
Fr. john
2006-07-24 10:44:31 · answer #1 · answered by som 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not to offend you, but you are wrong. Looking back to the Greek, it is God proclaiming that the wicked leaders of Judah will face great judgment. The sheep in this passage are the men of Judah, not Christians as we might think. Remember: The book of Jeremiah is an account of history, not a letter or book of rule. Jeremiah is also old testament, so the thought of sheep meaning Christian, and leader meaning pastor would be invalid, because Christ had not come yet.
God bless you, and happy hunting!
2006-07-24 10:24:11 · answer #2 · answered by Your hero until you meet Jesus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that is a good idea.
I noticed a difference in wording between NIV and King James version. To me the King James scripture means something a little bit different but similar to the scripture in NIV.
2006-07-24 10:26:17 · answer #3 · answered by ☼Grace☼ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. There is a church that I grew up in, and visited when I was an adult...whose pastor does not teach the bible as the truth. He claimed Noah's Ark "was a myth". His (small) congregation hasn't the faintest idea how to be saved...they think it's by "doing your best".
You'd better believe I pray for this man!
2006-07-24 10:31:32 · answer #4 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The passage deals with God's immenent judgment of Israel, and with the many failings of its' people and its' leaders, in those days.
It then looks far ahead to the end of the age, to that time when Jesus returns with his new covenant church, in triumph.
At that time, God himself will right all the wrongs, and restore all that had been lost.
Rom 12:19 Revenge not yourselves, my dearly beloved; but give place unto wrath, for it is written: Revenge is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.
2006-07-24 15:44:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you are right about the disunity. in verses 5&6 it talks about Jesus coming to set things right. Jesus wasn't born yet at that time.
Jeremiah 23:5 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.
6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
2006-07-24 10:20:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It speaks OF the priests of Israel.
It speaks TO priests, teachers, Rabbi, ministers, preachers, etc.
ABOUT:
Leave Gods word (verse by verse) and teach the sayings of men and your in for it.
It's repeated in the New Testament
Gods' judgement begins at the pulpit.
2006-07-24 10:48:25 · answer #7 · answered by Grandreal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reading it quickly I think it refers to the pastors, priest, and ministers who treat and mislead their flock meaning the people who attend the church. Some pastors, ministers, and priest, know what to do and don't do it. Know what to say and don't say
it and know what is best for you but won't council you. These people will have their just reward when they try going to heaven
2006-07-24 10:23:06 · answer #8 · answered by EVEI 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe this passage says that those pastors and ministers who concentration on the number of members it has rather than the number of lives they saved will be dealt with accordingly.
2006-07-24 10:22:44 · answer #9 · answered by LD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it means he telling leaders not to teach false teachings and drive them away form the lord by telling them lies
2006-07-24 10:25:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋