What are some good practices or habits you were taught by family or others that you continue to practice today? For example, you might have been taught to always say “thank you.” Are these practices something you desire to see passed on to other generations? Lifeway's Explore the Bible Study: Faithful Obedience (Original title: Worthy) introduces a nomadic clan of Israelites who were known for following certain practices that had been passed down to them for almost 250 years! 

They were called the Rechabites. Jeremiah’s encounter with the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35 took place during the reign of King Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim’s rule was between 609–597 BC. This was during the first of Babylon’s attacks against Jerusalem, when the prophet Daniel was taken into exile (2 Kings 24:1-4; Daniel 1:1-6).

Jeremiah describes a time when God commanded him to have a very public discussion with the Rechabites. Jeremiah delivers a message that draws a sharp contrast between the Rechabites who faithfully obeyed the commands of their earthly father and the children of Judah who had failed to obey and honor the commands of their loving heavenly Father. 

As you examine chapter 35, consider your own faithfulness to the Lord.

Who Were the Rechabites?

The Rechabites were descendants of Rechab (or Recab or Rekab). They were related to the Kenites; thus they were related to Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro (see Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11). For over 250 years they had been together as a small clan in the nation, and their lifestyle resembled that of the Nazirites (Numbers 6:1-21). They lived in the southern deserts (1 Samuel 15:6) and in Israelite territory (Judges 4:17; Judges 5:24).

Jonadab was the main leader who instituted the separatist lifestyle. Jonadab is portrayed as a zealot who helped Jehu rid Israel of Baal-worship after the time of Ahab (2 Kings 10:15–27).  Jonadab put in place some specific commands because he desired for his clan to return to the simplicity of the nomadic life, and to be protected from “lax living and allurements to idolatry that plagued Israel in city life,” (Source: Charles L. Feinberg, “Jeremiah,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 6) . 

His people were to abstain from wine, and they were to not put down roots by building houses, sowing seeds, or planting vineyards (Jeremiah 35:6-7).

With the fall of the northern kingdom (Israel), they moved south into Judah. When the Babylonians invaded Judah, they sought refuge in Jerusalem, yet still followed the commands of Jonadab, especially with regard to the drinking of wine. 

Chapter 35 begins with the Lord instructing Jeremiah to, “Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them, and bring them to one of the chambers of the temple of the Lord to offer them a drink of wine” (Jeremiah 35:2). This sets the stage for a powerful object lesson. As God directed, Jeremiah to set jars filled with wine before his guests and invited them to drink wine! Their response to this invitation would reveal the true purpose of this encounter as God provided a living illustration of loyalty in action.

A word of caution as you examine this passage. 

• First, the purpose in God’s actions is NOT to force the Rechabites to compromise their standards. God is going to use the faithful commitment of the Rechabites to their ancestors’ commands to contrast the lack of faithfulness Israel and Judah had toward the commands of God.
• Secondly, this passage is not intended to emphasize abstinence from alcohol. There are other passages that provide a more adequate defense regarding the dangers of alcohol abuse. However, we can’t ignore the fact that Jonadab’s prohibition communicates his concern related to the connection between alcohol and compromise for the Rechabites, who lived under the influence of a sin-broken society. If this passage is used to teach abstinence from alcohol, then the prohibitions related to not building houses, sowing seeds, and planting vineyards must also be treated equally.
• Thirdly, we must be careful as we contrast the faithfulness of the Rechabites versus the disobedience of the rest of Judah. Both parties were part of the larger covenant people of God. To contrast the Rechabites’ faithfulness as that of pagans worshipping their ancestors versus the people of Judah not worshipping God is not an accurate comparison.

Simply put, "Jeremiah used the occasion to contrast their faithfulness to the commands of a dead ancestor with the faithlessness of the people of Judah to the commands of the living God." (Source: F. B. Huey, Jeremiah, Lamentations, vol. 16, The New American Commentary)

With that background, let’s look at what happens, and the lessons God teaches through the faithfulness of the Rechabites. 

Unfaithfulness Condemned – Jeremiah 35:5-17

The Rechabites refused to drink wine because they were committed to a lifestyle of abstinence.  Additionally, they affirmed that they had obeyed Jonadab in every way. Notice also that their commitment to their ancestor’s instruction was absolute and included entire families: we . . . our wives . . . our sons and daughters. No one had drunk wine, and they had not built houses. They possessed no vineyard . . . field . . . or seed. 

When their circumstances changed, the Rechabites, who lived in tents in the open country, sought the safety inside the walls of Jerusalem because they faced certain capture or death from the army of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  The Rechabites were only in Jerusalem due to pressing circumstances. Otherwise, they would have remained in their tents. They had not compromised their principles, and if the siege lifted, they would resume their nomadic lifestyle. 

Then God directs His message to the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem, many of whom had witnessed Jeremiah’s encounter with the Rechabites. He noted how the Rechabites had carried out their ancestors’ commands and faithfully obeyed those instructions over many generations. That very day, they had refused Jeremiah’s invitation to drink wine because of their great respect for Jonadab. 

Meanwhile, the residents of Judah could not be bothered to obey and honor their Creator and Provider. He points out their constant disobedience and their constant refusal to accept God’s warnings. Jonadab’s descendants had followed his instructions, but God’s people had failed to heed His persistent calls, “time and time again.”

If the command of a mere man, Jonadab, was respected and obeyed by his family for over two centuries, why didn’t the people of Israel and Judah obey the command of Almighty God—a command that the prophets had repeated over and over again? 

The sons of Jonadab passed the test and refused the wine. The public nature of the ceremony, the presence of their entire clan, the prominence of the prophet, and the proximity of the temple all added pressure to drink the wine. Jeremiah held up the Rechabites as an example for Judah to emulate. 

God wanted the best for His people and expected faithful obedience from them.  Sadly, the people of Judah refused to listen to God. God’s final statement in verse 17 is something we should all strive to avoid God saying about us. He emphatically stated again, “I have spoken to them, but they have not obeyed, and I have called to them, but they did not answer.”

What warning signs might God give today to believers when they aren’t obeying or are not answering Him?

But what about the Rechabites? How would God deal with them. Was following the traditions of Jonadab something that God would respect. Jeremiah 35:18-19 reveals how God would honor the Rechabites because their actions were deemed as a means to honor the covenant relationship they had with the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel.

Faithfulness Commended – Jeremiah 35:18-19

God commended the house of the Rechabites, who had provided a wonderful example of faithful obedience. God said the Rechabites would never fail to have a man to stand before me always. God promised to bless Jonadab’s line because of its faithfulness. The Rechabites’ family line would always have a place in God’s service.  “To stand before” is a technical expression which includes a sense of privilege in the very act of serving.

Remaining Faithful in a Challenging Culture

The Rechabites stood firm against assimilating into the culture of the time. They were commended by God for their faithfulness and obedience to their father. God desires His people to live in obedience and steadfastness to Him. Had the people of God in Judah honored God with their faithfulness, there would not have been a need to contrast their disobedience with the obedience to traditions exemplified in the clan of the Rechabites.

How might this be expressed today? 

When you observe professing Christians’ commitment to church traditions or healthy lifestyle traditions, how should you respond based on God’s treatment of the Rechabites? 

Should you be quick to criticize them, or should it drive you to evaluate if your commitment to the Lord is as strong as the commitments others have made to their traditions? 

While we might be quick to criticize the unwavering commitment of some professing Christians to live a life we might perceive as legalistic or “too traditional,” we should be careful to not point the finger at their commitment without first examining our commitment to Jesus Christ. If we are not obeying or listening to God when He calls for us to examine our hearts and our actions, then we are aligning ourselves with the people of Judah who refused to listen and obey God.

Back in 2000, 23-year-old Cornealious Anderson III, nicknamed Mike, was arrested for robbing a Burger King at gunpoint. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison, released on bail, and told to await orders on when to show up to serve his time. The orders never came. Due to a clerical error, Anderson never went to prison.

But instead of using his freedom to commit more crimes, Anderson started his own construction business, became a youth football coach, and volunteered at his local church. He also got married, had three children, and became a well-liked member of his community.

Thirteen years later, the state discovered their error and put Anderson behind bars for nearly one year. As the case received international coverage, an online petition for his release gained more than 35,000 signatures.

After a court hearing that lasted a mere 10 minutes, the judge conceded that Anderson was a changed man and granted him credit for the years he should have been in prison. A teary-eyed Anderson walked out of the courthouse with his wife and daughter, telling reporters that he was grateful to God. (Source: https://listverse.com/2016/01/24/10-incredible-real-life-stories-of-redemption/)

This video provides you with more of Cornealious's story.

How does this story of redemption help you understand God's redemption despite your sin?

While God’s message through Jeremiah has primarily been about judgment, the focus now shifts to the exciting days of redemption and restoration. In Jeremiah 31, God’s plan of redemption is described. As you examine Jeremiah 31:23-34, consider the way God has provided redemption for you even though you are guilty because of sin.

God’s Redemption is Restorative—Jeremiah 31:23-26

The Sovereign Lord of Armies and the Personal Covenant God of Israel spoke of the coming day when His people would be restored. 

• The redemption of God’s people after their judgement means there would come a day when they would be brought back to the land from which they were taken. In this redemption process their fortunes would be restored. 
• They would once again speak a blessing in the “land of Judah and in its cities.” It was a blessing they once spoke as they enjoyed God’s presence, and they would once again speak it upon their return. 
• God’s righteousness would characterize their towns and villages, and God’s Mountain. Judah and Jerusalem would be called a “righteous settlement and a holy mountain.” 
• God’s redemption would be available to “Judah and all its cities” including its farmers and shepherds. The blessing of God’s redemption was available to all.
• God’s redemption would restore the empty and tired soul replacing it with hope and peace.

Jeremiah was not in the best of circumstances. He had been preaching judgment, the exile of Judah’s people had already begun, and more disaster was coming. He had been ridiculed, rejected, and persecuted. Yet, this dream of the restoration of God’s people gave him a “most pleasant” sleep.

God has revealed His redemptive plan for restoration to us through His Word. How can knowing God’s redemption plan give us a “most pleasant” sleep? How can it encourage us to keep telling others about God’s redemption?

The promise of restoration should bring believers peace and pleasure. God has promised to be with His people through each challenge life brings (Matthew 28:20). Sometimes those challenges come from our own sinful choices, but the promise of restoration provides the certainty of His redemption, which is available to all who turn to Him in faith. Additionally, when we wonder if telling others about the redemption available through Christ is really making an impact, we can be sure that telling others about God’s redemption will make a difference to those who respond.

After Jeremiah awakes from this pleasant sleep, he declares some exciting news.

God’s Redemption is Productive—Jeremiah 31:27-30

God’s redemption would not only restore, but it would produce fruit. In this case, that fruit would be the multiplication of the Jewish people and their livestock. It was not men, by their own effort, that would produce this fruit. It would be God who “will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of people and the seed of animals.” It was as if God was planting fields of “people seeds” and “animal seeds,” which eventually would populate the entire land.

We can learn from Jeremiah 31:28 that God cannot and will not ignore sin. A Holy and Righteous God can’t ignore sin. Sin has consequences. Therefore, God reminds His people that there was coming a time when they would be exiled for 70 years because of their sins. God would deal with His people’s disobedience. He used strong words to describe His actions as He watched over Judah’s demise: uproot, tear them down, demolish, destroy, and cause disaster. However, the second part of the verse highlights God’s restoration. After overseeing their judgment, He would watch over them to build and to plant them.

Even though redemption would be provided and available, we are still reminded that God will and must punish sin because He is holy, and we are not. Sin and holiness cannot coexist in the presence of God. The God who pronounces judgment upon His crowning creation for their sins, also provides the only means from which man can be redeemed. Therefore, we should understand that God is not a cold-hearted God who only passes judgment for sin. His discipline and judgment for sin and His plan of redemption are indicative of His character of being a loving, yet just God.

We also see in this passage, and the first passage we examined, the beautiful picture of how God restores and makes our lives productive when He redeems us. Yet, God still reminded his people that personal responsibility for sin could not be ignored.

What does Jeremiah 31:29-30 communicate regarding how you should approach your own choices to sin? Do you expect God to restore you and make you productive without taking responsibility for your sins? 

A common saying in Judah’s last days was “the fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” Today, lots of people play the “blame game.” They excuse their sin by saying, “This is just the way I am” or “I had a terrible upbringing.” While our past experiences can influence our situation, God’s Word still affirms we are responsible for our actions. Jeremiah confirmed the truth of personal responsibility: each will die for his own iniquity.  He affirmed that anyone who eats sour grapes—his own teeth will be set on edge. Defiant sinners would bear the consequences of their own sins. (ETB Leader Commentary)

Finally, we see that God’s Redemption is Comprehensive—Jeremiah 31:31-34

Not only did God’s message to His people describe redemption in the context of how God would restore the Israelites to their land and make them productive again, but it pointed to another day in the future— “the days are coming.” God announced that at a time in the future, He would make a “new covenant.” 

God’s activity with His crowning, yet sin-broken creation, throughout the Old Testament pointed to the “new covenant.” Every covenant after the fall and ruin of humanity pointed toward God’s ultimate redemption plan. It was revealed as God made various covenants.

• The Abrahamic Covenant promised to Abraham and His covenant descendants a land, a nation, and a blessing to extend to all nations (Genesis 12:1-3).
• The Mosaic or Sinai Covenant gave Israel the law, the sacrifices, and the choice of blessing or curse (Exodus 19).
• The Davidic Covenant that promised an everlasting dynasty, a perfect ruler, and the Promised Messiah (2 Samuel 7).

What did the previous covenants reveal about the sin nature of man? How would the new covenant be different from other covenants?

God’s plan of redemption through these covenants is completed and perfected in this “new covenant.” Every action of God throughout history and every covenant He made revealed the complete brokenness of man, his inability to save himself through good works, and the need for redemption that was only available from the covenant God. This “new covenant” would be comprehensive in that it would be complete, and only God could provide and sustain it for eternity. 

• The new covenant is transformative from the inside out. God would change the minds and hearts of those connected to Him by the new covenant.
• The new covenant brings a new relationship with God—"I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Those connected to God by the new covenant have a personal and close relationship with God.
• This new covenant would be revealed to all mankind. No one would be without excuse before Holy God. God’s covenant would be made known and available to all mankind, but receiving it was not automatic.
• The new covenant brings true and complete forgiveness and cleansing from sin. The sacrificial system under the old covenant could only cover sin and its guilt; the new covenant brings forgiveness so complete that it could be said that God no longer remembers the sin of those connected to Him through the new covenant. The fact that God would  “forgive their [our] iniquity and never again remember their [our] sin” is truly incomprehensible in a world where everyone desires retribution for sins committed against them.

God's Provision for Your Redemption

Jesus revealed that He was the One who would institute the new covenant in Luke 22:20—"In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Jesus specifically instituted this new covenant by His death on the cross. Hebrews 8 tells us that the redemption provided by this new covenant is far superior because it was Jesus, God’s Son who provided it: “But Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises.”

Let’s revisit Cornealius's story. While Cornealius was out on bail, he still had a crime hanging over his head. While he was out, his life did change. He did good things and tried to make a new life. But the crime was still hanging over his head. He was still guilty of a crime. While he did good works, he couldn’t redeem himself. It took a judge declaring him “redeemed” for him to really be a free man.

And, when you are pronounced redeemed by God, you are given a new relationship with Holy God and a promise that your sins are no longer hanging over you for eternity.

Do you know of individuals who are still trying to fix their sin-broken lives through means other than receiving the redemption that the new covenant offers through Jesus Christ? How can you communicate with them the value of God’s redemption through Jesus Christ? 

Perhaps you are the one who needs to be redeemed by Christ. Consider talking with someone in your church or group, or with God Himself regarding your need to receive redemption through Jesus Christ for you sins.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

Download PDF Version

Download Word Version

LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

According to dictionary.com, “new normal” is used to describe a current situation, social custom, etc., that is different from what has been experienced or done before but is expected to become usual or typical. Chapter 29 of the book of Jeremiah includes a letter from the prophet to the Judean exiles, now numbering over 10,000 already living in Babylon. Those living in captivity were facing a “new normal”—living in captivity in a foreign and pagan land. The Explore the Bible Study: New Normal is an adjusted title from the original study provided by Lifeway entitled "Present." It focuses on the "new normal" that the Judean exiles were facing in Babylon.

They would be in exile for 70 years so God instructs Jeremiah to encourage the people to adjust to their new normal and gives instructions regarding how they can honor Him. These are the events taking place in Judah during this season of Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry that led to the writing of the letter to those in captivity:

King Jehoiakim (609 BC)

• When Judah’s evil king Jehoiakim began his reign, the Lord instructed Jeremiah to proclaim judgment—chapter 26. Jehoiakim was one of the last kings of Judah before the Babylonian Captivity and 2 Kings 23:37 tells us that Jehoiakim also did evil in the Lord’s sight, so God sent the Babylonian army to capture and enslave them. 
• Jehoiakim was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar, who put him in chains and carted him off to Babylon (2 Kings 24:1; 2 Chronicles 36:6). It was at this time that Daniel and his three friends were also taken to Babylon (Daniel 1:1–2). 
• Jehoiakim was later returned to Jerusalem, although he had to act as Nebuchadnezzar’s servant for three years and pay tribute to him. Jehoiakim reigned eleven years (2 Kings 23:36; 2 Chronicles 36:5). 
• In the eleventh year of Jehoiakim’s reign, he stopped paying tribute to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar responded by besieging Jerusalem. According to Josephus, Jehoiakim was killed during the siege, and his body was thrown over the city wall.

King Jehoiachin (Also known as King Jeconiah, 597 BC)

• Jehoiachin was the son of Jehoiakim and succeeded him as the new king in Judah. He only reigned three months and ten days (2 Chronicles 36:9) before he, too, was taken to Babylon.
• This is the second deportation of Jews from Jerusalem in which Nebuchadnezzar took ten thousand others into exile, leaving only the poorest behind, and he raided the temple (2 Kings 24:13–14; 2 Chronicles 36:10). 
• The exiles included “King Jehoiachin, the queen mother, the court officials, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metalsmiths [from] Jerusalem.” (Jeremiah 29:2)
• Jeremiah’s letter probably arrived shortly after the exiles did, though many would not want to receive the words he wrote.

Sources: ETB Leader Commentary and GotQuestions – Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin

As we examine Jeremiah’s instructions regarding how they were to live in the context of their “new normal,” imagine he is speaking to us as well. Consider how we should live as believers in a culture where “new normals” exist. Consider how we can live our faith in the context of the “new normals” we face.

Live Fruitful and Productive Lives – Jeremiah 29:4-7

Notice Jeremiah’s opening remarks. He reminds the reader this isn’t a letter from him personally but a letter containing the instructions given to him from the “Lord of Armies, the God of Israel.” Not only does God remind the exiles that He is sovereign but that He is also in control of human events. While it was Babylon that conquered Judah and deported its population, Nebuchadnezzar merely served as God’s instrument of judgment. But, while they were living in these conditions, God had instructions for them that could strengthen their faith, their witness, and prepare them for a time when they would return from exile.

How would you live if you thought your “new normal” was only temporary? How would you live if you knew your “new normal” was going to be for a long period of time?

Notice how the Lord’s instructions regarding living fruitful and productive lives were paired together and indicated that their “new normal” wasn’t temporary. The exiles were to:

1. “Build houses and live in them” – Live denotes a longer stay.  They were not renting houses until the circumstances changed. They were building houses and planning on living in them, indicating a long period of time.
2. “Plant gardens and eat their produce” – Planting and eating also indicate a long period of time, especially if the things planted included orchards or groves of fruit trees.
3. “Find wives . . . and have sons and daughters” – Again, God is communicating that this new normal was going to last a long time. They were to marry and have children, which communicates a long period of time.
4. “Multiply there; do not decrease.” – The ETB Leader Commentary describes this command in this way: “In times of impending disaster, people might consider not marrying or having children, lest they experience more sorrow or suffering in captivity. Consequently, God’s message really carried a glimmer of hope. . . Jeremiah said to settle in and enjoy their grandchildren.”
5. “Pursue the well-being of the city . . . Pray to the Lord on its behalf.” – The exiles weren’t to become isolated or self-centered as they lived out their faith in exile. They were to be witnesses to the culture in which they lived by pursuing the well-being of the city and praying for the city. The Judeans’ welfare was now bound up with Babylon’s welfare, so praying for their enemies would serve them well.

Which of these commands would you find difficult to obey had you been a Babylonian exile? Which of these commands would be difficult to obey today? How would following these commands be a demonstration of faith in God?

Next, the Lord warns the people to not embrace quick fixes from false teachers. 

Ignore quick fixes from false teachers – Jeremiah 29:8-9

The wording Jeremiah uses indicates that the people were already hearing and being led astray by the false teachers including false prophets and diviners. 

These false teachers probably proclaimed they had a “fresh word from the Lord.” They created false teachings based on individuals’ dreams by stating that the dreams were messages from God, even when they contradicted messages from His true prophets. During this “new normal” it’s apparent that the people were grasping at anything that could to give them hope, yet Jeremiah assured them such words had no foundation in reality or in God’s truth.

In what ways might “new normals,” the circumstances we face personally or in our nation, cause us to pursue false teachings? What are some examples of teachings that try to provide quick fixes to our “new normals”? How can we know when something is false?

Today many dynamic teachers claim to speak for God, but we must always examine their messages against the truth of God’s Word. Additionally, if someone says something that sounds good, makes sense, or seems to provide a quick solution to a problem, we must filter what is being said through the truth in God’s Word. Even if it sounds like a quick fix to a difficult situation, it isn’t always biblically sound.

God didn’t leave the exiles hanging regarding the length of their “new normal.” He did promise deliverance in the future and even gave them a timeline. As believers, we know that any “new normal” is still temporary.

We have hope in spite of difficult “new normals.” – Jeremiah 29:10-14

The Lord affirmed that after seven decades in Babylon, a blessing would come. They had hope that restoration would take place because of God’s promises and their special relationship with Him.

Read verses 11-14 and consider how this picture of restoration could give you hope as you strive to adjust to the “new normals” you are experiencing in life. Which promise in this passage gives you the greatest hope?

God’s directing hand would lead His people home, just as He had led them to Babylon. God always has a plan for restoring His wayward people. His plan for the exiled people of God should give us hope as we face the perils of this life today. Whether it’s because of our own sin, or the collective sin of society, or just because we live in a broken world that is continually in turmoil, we have hope in Christ that, one day, we will be rescued. However, as we wait, we must learn to live faithfully for Christ in the “new normals” we face.

Responding to the "New Normal" with faithfulness

As we close, consider those who did live faithfully in their “new normal” as a Jewish exile in Babylon. Daniel along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were some of many who were chosen from the exiled to be trained in the ways of the Babylonians. Following three years of training they were put into the king’s service (See Daniel 1:1-6). Despite this “new normal” they remained faithful to God and their faithfulness became a witness to an entire nation.

GotQuestions.org describes Daniels faithfulness in this way:

“he exercised great integrity and, in doing so, received the respect and affection of the powerful rulers he served. However, his honesty and loyalty to his masters never led him to compromise his faith in the one true God. Rather than allowing it to be an obstacle to his success, Daniel’s continual devotion to God brought him the admiration of the unbelievers in his circle. When delivering his interpretations, he was quick to give God the credit for his ability to do so (See Daniel 2:28). 

Daniel’s integrity as a man of God gained him favor with the secular world, yet he refused to compromise his faith in God. Even under the intimidation of kings and rulers, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to God. . . As a result of his devotion, Daniel found favor with man and with God (Daniel 9:20-23).”

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Daniel.html

Based on this passage, what are some ways we can encourage one another to live faithfully despite the difficult “new normals” we might face individually or as a culture? 

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

Download PDF Version

Download Word Version

LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

Which does our society value the most today from a leader: Character or Results? Does society overlook someone’s character if they get the results they desire? In what ways might a church value results over character? One must ask what will happen when a society or a church values results over character. The Explore The Bible Study: Rules will reveal the way God views and deals with those who choose to value results over character.

Most people would agree that leaders should possess good character. It still ranks as one of the highest qualities admired in leaders. Yet, when leaders fail morally, ethically, or legally, their followers sometimes rationalize or justify why that person is still a worthy leader to follow. Sadly, they are saying as much about their own decisions as they are of the choices of that leader. They can also rationalize that, “since that leader was able to continue in their poor choices, I can do the same thing and continue to lead.” Most leaders who don’t accept responsibilities for their failures and sins aren’t as concerned with those whom they lead but for the power that they will lose if they repent or admit their failures. 

This was true in Jeremiah’s day as well. Judah’s King Zedekiah asked Jeremiah to pray for God’s deliverance in Jeremiah 21:1-2. Jeremiah lays out the fact that deliverance was not going to take place, but judgment was coming. In the remainder of Jeremiah 21 and Jeremiah 22, he warns Judah’s officials to rule justly lest God sweep them away. He encouraged Judah’s royal house to follow God’s ways. He preached that obedience would bring blessing, but disobedience would bring ruin. 

None of the leaders desired to repent. Finally, in Jeremiah 23, Jeremiah begins to lay out a plan to give His people a trustworthy and righteous Ruler. Before introducing us to that new leader, God instructs Jeremiah to reveal that there will be new shepherds who will replace those who have abused the sheep of His pasture.

Shepherds with a New Purpose—Jeremiah 23:1-4

Shepherds were responsible for the flocks they oversaw. This referred to all the current leaders responsible for the people of God during Jeremiah’s time. God had seen the practices of the evil leaders and spelled it out in His threefold indictment. They had scattered the people, banished them, and had not attended to them. The Lord affirmed that He would deal with the evil shepherd-leaders. 

In what ways might Christian leaders commit the same evils? What would cause Christian leaders to act in this manner?

After dealing with the evil shepherd-leaders, God said He would work to restore the people. This was great news and demonstrated God’s love for His sheep.

God affirmed that He Himself would participate in His people’s restoration. 

1. He promised to gather the remnant of my flock. Remnant literally means “remainder,” and it often denotes a faithful group of God’s people. This group would receive the Lord’s personal attention. 
2. God said He would gather His people from all the lands. The leaders failed to shepherd well, leading Judah astray. As a result, they bore significant blame for God’s judgment. Ultimately, however, God had banished His people because they had failed to follow His commands. God now promised that He would bring them back to their grazing land. 
3. God promised that in this restoration the Jews would become fruitful and numerous. In a sense, God was starting over with His people. 
4. When He brought them home, He would raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. He would provide good leaders who would serve faithfully. God affirmed that His people wouldn’t be afraid or discouraged under these good shepherds. 

Leaders are accountable to God for their actions. When leaders fail to lead well and, instead, steer their people toward evil, God holds them accountable. On the other hand, leaders who serve faithfully will be a blessing to their people and also enjoy God’s blessing.

But the Lord also declared He would raise a Righteous Branch for David.

A New King with a New Purpose—Jeremiah 23:5-8

Jeremiah anticipated a day when God’s people would not only have good shepherds, but a new King would be leading them—“A Righteous Branch for David.”

1. Jeremiah affirmed this Branch will reign wisely. The original wording has the sense of unusual insight and abundance. Kings needed wisdom to rule well, and this King would do just that. 
2. He would administer justice and righteousness. He would make just decisions and enact godly laws that would guide people toward righteous lives. He would reflect God’s will because God loves these qualities as well (Jeremiah 9:24).
3. Jeremiah affirmed that Judah will be saved, while Israel will dwell securely under the Branch’s leadership. During the days of the divided kingdom, the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah remained separate, but God was planning to reunite them. Israel was relatively small, and hostile forces surrounded it. Nevertheless, in the day of the Branch, God’s people would know everlasting security. 

Jeremiah announced that the Branch’s name would be The Lord Is Our Righteousness. The Branch’s name pointed the people toward the God who is identified by righteous judgments and actions. Righteousness flows from God’s character, and the Branch would demonstrate that to everyone. 

We know that Jeremiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. We can trust Jesus as our righteous King. Many kings reigned throughout Israel’s history. The writer of 1,2 Kings tells us that all nineteen leaders of the Northern Kingdom were evil, whereas only eight of Judah’s twenty kings sought to follow God. Jesus’ reign will surpass them all. 

Even the best of Israel’s kings, and even David, falls short of the righteousness of the Messiah. God’s people will live well under the reign of Jesus, the Righteous Branch.

Is it easier for you to trust in the rulers of our land or in King Jesus? How would life perspectives be different for us if we completely trusted Jesus to be the absolute and perfect Ruler of this world?

In verses 1-8, he had denounced the evil shepherds and assured God’s people that He would provide new, righteous leaders—particularly the Branch (Jesus). In verse 9, Jeremiah returned to his present context (which wasn’t encouraging) and pronounced judgment against prophets who misused their power and led the nation toward ruin.

Jeremiah’s Current Reality Broke His Heart but He Continued to Trust God—Jeremiah 23:9-12

Jeremiah knew God had appointed him to preach the truth. Tragically, false prophets contradicted Jeremiah and convinced the people that peace was coming. This broke Jeremiah’s heart. This leads Jeremiah to recall what “The Lord” declared regarding their future: “their way will seem like slippery paths in the gloom. They will be driven away and fall down there, for I will bring disaster on them, the year of their punishment. This is the Lord’s declaration.”

How can what we know about the return of Christ and our redemption through a personal relationship with Him, help strengthen us when we observe all the evil taking place in the world?

Embrace Character Over Results

A 2022 Lifeway Research blog post headline stated, “Americans increasingly don’t trust the church or pastors, as confidence and trust levels have eroded to historic lows for both.” It went on to reveal these statistics:

• Only 31% of Americans say they have quite a lot or a great deal of confidence in the church or organized religion, a record low in Gallup's tracking poll.
• 36% of Americans say they rate the honesty and ethical standards of clergy or pastors high or very high—down three points and a new record low in Gallup's annual survey.

How should you respond to this based on what Jeremiah was observing in his cultural context? How can Jeremiah’s prophecy regarding the future help you avoid discouragement and remain faithful and hopeful?

As you strive to live faithfully in a sin-broken world, you should be careful regarding the character traits you embrace in leaders, especially those who profess to be followers of Christ. You should also be careful how you lead others. You should be good shepherds who search for, care for, and tend to God’s sheep. You should be good shepherds who point people to the Perfect and Righteous King—Jesus Christ, the Messiah!

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

Download PDF Version

Download Word Version

LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources.