**The Shepherds and the Righteous Branch**

The sun hung low over Jerusalem, casting long shadows across the city’s uneven streets. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense and the distant murmur of merchants closing their stalls. But beneath the surface of daily life, a deep corruption festered. The people of Judah had wandered far from the Lord, led astray by those who should have guided them in righteousness.

In the midst of this spiritual decay, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet. The Lord’s voice burned within him like a fire, and he could not remain silent. He stood in the courts of the temple, his voice rising above the noise of the crowd, declaring the judgment and promise of the Almighty.

**”Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!”** Jeremiah cried, his words sharp as a sword. The people turned, some in curiosity, others in unease. The false priests and corrupt leaders, who had grown fat on the people’s suffering, stiffened at his words.

**”You have not cared for My flock,”** the Lord declared through His prophet. **”Instead, you have driven them away and failed to bring them back. Therefore, I will punish you for the evil you have done!”**

A murmur spread through the crowd. The shepherds—the kings, priests, and false prophets—had led Judah into idolatry and oppression. They had spoken lies in God’s name, promising peace where there was no peace. They had filled the people’s hearts with empty hopes while they themselves lived in luxury, ignoring the cries of the poor and the oppressed.

But even as Jeremiah pronounced judgment, a greater promise shone through the darkness.

**”Yet I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock,”** the Lord declared. **”I will bring them back to their folds, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. And I will raise up shepherds over them who will feed them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed.”**

Then, like the first light of dawn breaking over a long night, the Lord spoke of a King who would come—a King unlike the faithless rulers of Judah.

**”Behold, the days are coming,”** Jeremiah proclaimed, his voice trembling with divine authority, **”when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He shall reign as King and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In His days, Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which He will be called: ‘The Lord Our Righteousness.’”**

A hush fell over the crowd. Some scoffed, unwilling to believe that a true and righteous King would come. Others, their hearts weary from years of deception, felt a spark of hope. Could it be? Would God truly send a deliverer, a Shepherd who would lead them in truth?

Jeremiah’s eyes burned with conviction. The false shepherds would face judgment, but God would not abandon His people. He would bring them back. He would give them a true King.

And so the prophet’s words echoed through the streets of Jerusalem, a warning to the wicked and a promise to the faithful. The Lord had spoken. The righteous Branch would come. And when He did, He would reign forever in justice, truth, and peace.

The people dispersed, some in fear, some in hope. But the word of the Lord remained, unshaken and sure—a promise that would endure long after the walls of Jerusalem crumbled, long after the exile and the return. For the Lord, the righteous Judge, would also be their salvation.

And His name would be called: **The Lord Our Righteousness.**