Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 22-23
A descendant of Coniah and the Branch of righteousness. In Jeremiah 22:28-30 we find a prophecy against the descendants of Coniah, king of Judah. Specifically, we see that no descendant of Coniah would ever sit on David’s throne as king in Judah. This prophecy is often overlooked when studying the false doctrine of premillennialism. This doctrine has Jesus returning to earth to sit on an earthly throne in Jerusalem (Judah). However, when we read the genealogy of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 1, we find Jeconiah, a.k.a. Coniah, listed in verse 11. Thus, it would be a violation of God’s own word for Jesus to come and sit on an earthly throne in Judah. Acts 2:29-31 explains what it means that Jesus is sitting on David’s throne today. Jeremiah 23:5 foretells the coming of a descendant of David who shall reign and prosper, execute judgment and righteousness, and ultimately save Judah. This king would be called “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (v 6). This can be none other than Jesus.
New Testament reading: Mark 13-14
In the hours immediately preceding His death, Jesus suffered the most undignified treatment. How do you feel when people lie about you? Most lies are not told in our presence, but many false witnesses (liars) were brought in to lie against our Lord (14:55-59). While we would be tempted to cry out and condemn our lying accusers, Jesus never spoke a word against His accusers or in His own defense (v 61). After being declared as “deserving of death” (v 64), those who stood near began to spit on Jesus. In most cultures, this is the most demeaning insult one can receive. Men in professional sports often come to blows, and people ignore it due to the nature of the game. However, if one man spits on another, he is ostracized and often suspended for a time. Moreover, he is never able to shake that image. Why? Because of how demeaning we consider the act. Yet, our Lord endured a showering of spittle as He awaited His condemnation. He was going to the cross to pay for the sins of those who were spitting on Him! What irony! These are some of the ways I find myself falling so short of the example of Jesus. But if I would imitate my Lord, I must be willing to suffer shame as He showed me (cf 1 Peter 2:19-23).
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