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\u201cThe days are coming,\u201d declares the Lord, \u201cwhen I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior\u201d (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

Our text for today is a balm for the soul. Like myself, many of you know Christians who have become separated from the fellowship of the church. Some may have left because they observed many Christians listless in their faith, only paying lip service to the deep dynamics of God\u2019s kingdom, claiming to believe but unwilling to shape their lives by the kingdom\u2019s demands.

Others may have been hurt by careless words, whether directed at them or at someone else. The speaker may not have intended to inflict harm but was unwilling to acknowledge that injury was done. In the church we still often live by the motto, \u201cSticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.\u201d I can remember chanting those words while my heart wept with pain. Many have been hurt and, while still clinging to Jesus, are afraid of his church.

And yet others, have fled from the church fellowship because of the sins of church leaders. You know the kinds: abusive, manipulative, narcissistic behaviour; financial fraud; sexual grooming and abuse; neglect of the hurting.

You may know other things that have caused Christians to separate from the church. Jeremiah 23 addresses the realities of the last matter I mentioned: the selfish sins of church leaders who are in it for themselves, who abuse their flock. That is their problem: they think the people are theirs to do with as they please. But they are wrong. The chapter begins, \u201c\u2019Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!\u2019 declares the Lord.\u201d Its God\u2019s flock that is under attack.

It is particularly damning that these shepherds destroy the sheep since real shepherds go to great lengths to take care of and protect their flock. Jeremiah is referring to the kings of Judah, descendants of David the shepherd. Rather than keep these sheep together for their protection, they have scattered them, making them easy prey. They will be judged because they have failed to fulfill the duties of their office.

However, the punishment of these evil shepherds signals the beginnings of salvation. God speaks to a future, \u2018the days are coming\u2019. Israel is compared to a tree that has been chopped down, but from its stump comes a shoot or a branch. The Messiah as a branch is found also in Isaiah 4:2; Zechariah 3:8 and 6:12 and elsewhere.

Ultimately, this prophecy is fulfilled in Christ, who is the righteous shepherd and the descendant of David. He is \u201cthe LORD Our Righteous Saviour.\u201d Through Jeremiah, God promises to raise up for his scattered people a shepherd who will rule justly and wisely. In contrast to the unworthy leaders, Jesus says, \u201cI am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep\u2026I know my sheep and my sheep know me\u2026 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd\u201d (John 10:11,14, 16).

God\u2019s promise through Jeremiah is a balm for the souls of all who weep at the scattering of God\u2019s church. Whether that dispersion happens through internal conflicts during which we verbally crucify each other or abusive behaviour of church leaders, it is cause for weeping. Jeremiah and Jesus are equally disturbed by the tragedy of God\u2019s sheep wandering aimlessly and leaderless over the hillsides.

God\u2019s promise is that Jesus will shepherd his people with righteousness and justice. There is a warning here to all who use power for their own cause. The biblical concept of shalom is rooted in the idea that you and I use our power, how ever large or small that might be, for the welfare of those who have less. Jesus\u2019 mother understood this, she sang, \u201cHe has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty\u201d (Luke 1:52-53).

The message of Christmas is difficult to accept, especially for those with power. Let us pray that we can accept it and live it. And let us pray that Jesus will gather his scattered flock as promised.