QT 20/06/2025 Fri. Jeremiah 33 God’s enduring covenant. 神的永恒之约.
QT 20/06/2025 Fri. Jeremiah 33 God’s enduring covenant
READ http://www.esv.org/jer33
Jeremiah 33:17–18 is a powerful passage that speaks of God’s enduring covenant with both the royal line of David and the Levitical priesthood. These verses are part of a larger section where God promises restoration and blessings to Israel.
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 33:17-18
“For thus says the LORD: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, and the Levitical priests shall never lack a man in my presence to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to make sacrifices forever.”
(1) The Assurance of God's Faithfulness
In the midst of Israel's exile and despair, God speaks a word of hope and certainty. In Jeremiah 33, the people are struggling with uncertainty, but God reassures them of His unchanging promises. The declaration that David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne (v. 17) points to God's faithful covenant with David, promising that there will always be a descendant of David to reign over Israel.
This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matthew 1:1). Jesus, through His perfect life, death, and resurrection, has secured an eternal throne, not only for Israel but for all who trust in Him. He is the King of kings and His kingdom will never end (Luke 1:32-33).
Application:
As believers, we can find great assurance in the fact that God's promises are unshakable. Just as He promised to preserve the Davidic line, He has promised that Christ will return to reign forever, and we, His people, will share in that reign. When facing trials or seasons of doubt, we can look to God’s faithful history and be reminded that His promises are yes and amen in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).
(2) The Unbreakable Priesthood
The second part of the promise concerns the Levitical priests, who were responsible for offering sacrifices and interceding on behalf of the people. God promises that the Levitical priests shall never lack a man in My presence to offer burnt offerings (v. 18). This, too, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is our Great High Priest (Hebrews 7:24-27). Unlike the Levitical priests who offered sacrifices day after day, Jesus made a once-for-all sacrifice for sin through His own death on the cross.
Application:
How can my worship this weekend be improved? Jesus, as the eternal High Priest, has opened a way for us to come boldly before God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). We no longer need a human priest to offer sacrifices on our behalf, because Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice. The truth of this should drive us to worship, as we recognize that Christ’s priesthood is eternal and that we, too, are called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). In Christ, we have direct access to God, and our prayers and worship are accepted through Him.
(3) A Foretaste of the Kingdom
Both the promise of an eternal king from David’s line and the unbroken priesthood point us forward to the eternal reign of Christ. Jeremiah 33:17-18 is not just a promise for Israel but a type of the perfect fulfillment in Christ’s return. In the New Jerusalem, there will be no more need for sacrifices because Christ will reign forever, and He will be the Lamb upon the throne (Revelation 22:1-5).
Application:
As we live in the "now and not yet" of God’s kingdom, we are called to live as those who await Christ's return. Our lives should reflect the hope of His kingdom and the certainty that He will come again to make all things new. As we await His return, we are to live in obedience, worship, and joy, knowing that our King is both sovereign and good.
Conclusion
Jeremiah 33:17–18 is a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness. Even in the midst of Israel's exile and suffering, God spoke hope into their situation. He promised a future where His people would be led by an eternal King and served by an eternal High Priest. In Jesus, both promises have been fulfilled. As believers today, we find our hope and confidence in these promises, knowing that Christ's kingdom is secure and His priesthood is forever. May this truth encourage us to live faithfully and look forward to His return with eager expectation.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your faithful promises. We thank You that in Jesus, we have both the eternal King and the eternal High Priest. Help us to live in the light of these truths, trusting in Your sovereignty and grace. May our hearts be filled with hope as we await the return of Christ, our King. In Jesus' name, Amen.
QT 20/06/2025 星期五. 耶利米书 33 神的永恒之约
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Jer/33/
耶利米书33：17-18 是一段强有力的经文，讲述了上帝与大卫王室和利未人祭司所立的永恒之约。这几节经文是神应许以色列复兴和赐福的较大章节的一部分。
经文重点 耶利米书 33:17-18
17雅各就往疏割去，在那里为自己盖造房屋，又为牲畜搭棚。因此那地方名叫疏割（就是棚的意思）。18 雅各从巴旦亚兰回来的时候，平平安安地到了迦南地的示剑城，在城东支搭帐棚，
(1) 上帝信实的保证
在以色列的流亡和绝望中，上帝说出了充满希望和确信的话语。在耶利米书第 33 章中，百姓在不确定中挣扎，但神向他们保证祂不变的应许。大卫永不缺少坐在王位上的人（第 17 节）指出了上帝与大卫所立的信实之约，应许永远会有大卫的后裔统治以色列。
这一应许在大卫的儿子耶稣基督身上得到了最终的实现（马太福音 1：1）。耶稣通过祂完美的生命、死亡和复活，不仅为以色列，也为所有信靠他的人确保了永恒的王位。祂是万王之王，祂的国度永不止息（路加福音 1：32-33）。
应用：
作为信徒，我们可以从神的应许中找到极大的保证，因为神的应许是不可动摇的。正如祂应许保留大卫世系一样，祂也应许基督会再来统治，直到永远，而我们--祂的子民--将分享这一统治。当面临试炼或怀疑的季节时，我们可以看看神信实的历史，提醒自己祂的应许在基督里是肯定的（哥林多后书 1：20）。
（2) 牢不可破的祭司职分
应许的第二部分与利未人祭司有关，他们负责献祭，并代表百姓履行上帝的持久之约。神应许利未人祭司在我面前永不缺少献燔祭的人（第 18 节）。耶稣基督是我们的大祭司（希伯来书 7：24-27）。与日复一日献祭的利未人祭司不同，耶稣通过自己在十字架上的死为罪做了一次彻底的献祭。
应用：
如何改进我本周末的敬拜？耶稣作为永恒的大祭司，为我们开辟了一条道路，让我们可以勇敢地来到上帝施恩的宝座前（希伯来书 4：16）。我们不再需要人类祭司为我们献祭，因为耶稣已经做出了终极牺牲。这一真理应该驱使我们去敬拜，因为我们认识到基督的祭司职分是永恒的，我们也蒙召成为有君尊的祭司（彼得前书 2：9）。在基督里，我们可以直接与神接触，我们的祷告和敬拜通过祂被接受。
(3) 王国的预感
大卫后裔永恒君王的应许和不间断的祭司职分都指向我们基督永恒的统治。耶利米书 33：17-18 不仅是对以色列的应许，也是基督再来时完美应验的典范。在新耶路撒冷，不再需要献祭，因为基督将永远掌权，祂将是宝座上的羔羊（启示录 22：1-5）。
应用：
当我们生活在上帝国度的 "现在和尚未 "中时，我们被呼召像那些等待基督再来的人一样生活。我们的生活应该反映出对祂国度的盼望，以及对祂会再来使万物焕然一新的确信。当我们等待祂的再来时，我们要活在顺服、敬拜和喜乐中，因为我们知道我们的王既是至高的，又是良善的。
结论
耶利米书 33：17-18 是上帝信实的美好提醒。即使在以色列人的流亡和苦难中，上帝也为他们的处境带来了希望。祂应许了一个未来，在那里，祂的子民将由一位永恒的君王领导，由一位永恒的大祭司服侍。在耶稣身上，这两个应许都实现了。作为今天的信徒，我们在这些应许中找到了希望和信心，知道基督的国度是稳固的，祂的祭司职分是永远的。愿这一真理鼓励我们忠心地生活，热切地盼望祂的再来。
祷告：
主啊，感谢您信实的应许。我们感谢您，在耶稣里，我们拥有永恒的君王和永恒的大祭司。帮助我们活在这些真理的光辉中，相信你的主权和恩典。愿我们的心在等待我们的王--基督的归来时充满希望。奉耶稣的名，阿门。
