3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. 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 (Jeremiah 23:3-6).
As is the case many times in prophetic scriptures there may be a short term and a long-term fulfillment of prophecy. Additionally there may be a physical and spiritual fulfillment as well. These verses have fulfillment in the re-gathering of national Israel (after Babylonian captivity and perhaps the more modern diaspora and subsequent return in the 20th century), and the coming of the Messiah. There is also spiritual fulfillment in the salvation of all those that God calls, both Jews and Gentiles (all people). Clearly, verses 4-6 are Messianic prophecies of the coming of Christ to restore God’s people to relationship with God. There also may be a yet unfulfilled component of prophecy that will occur as part of Christ’s return to earth to reign, physically. The spiritual fulfillment of Christ’s reign was accomplished through His work on the Cross and His substitutionary atonement on our behalf. Prophecy and the fulfillment of prophecy should remind us that God is in control and sovereign.
As is the case many times in prophetic scriptures there may be a short term and a long-term fulfillment of prophecy. Additionally there may be a physical and spiritual fulfillment as well. These verses have fulfillment in the re-gathering of national Israel (after Babylonian captivity and perhaps the more modern diaspora and subsequent return in the 20th century), and the coming of the Messiah. There is also spiritual fulfillment in the salvation of all those that God calls, both Jews and Gentiles (all people). Clearly, verses 4-6 are Messianic prophecies of the coming of Christ to restore God’s people to relationship with God. There also may be a yet unfulfilled component of prophecy that will occur as part of Christ’s return to earth to reign, physically. The spiritual fulfillment of Christ’s reign was accomplished through His work on the Cross and His substitutionary atonement on our behalf. Prophecy and the fulfillment of prophecy should remind us that God is in control and sovereign.
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