Today's verse speaks of the coming of a Messiah, a king and Savior for the whole world. Of course, Jeremiah is writing somewhere around the sixth century BC. Thus, one might read his promise (of a coming Messiah who would "rule as a wise king") and assume this would be Jesus' mission when He was born in the first century. Indeed, many of His followers expected exactly that, and were frustrated that He did not seek to "rule" as a "king." However, Jeremiah's prophesy was about Jesus' ultimate mission, not His short mortal mission.

Jesus was born, lived, taught, and died in the first century. However, He made no effort to become a political leader, though the political leaders of His day felt threatened by Him. However, when questioned by Pilate, who asked Him if He was "the King" (John 18:23), Jesus' response was "My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36) Certainly, the time will come (presumably in the not-too-distant future) when Jesus will reign as "the King"-not just the "King of the Jews," but the "King" of the entire world. However, Jeremiah was not speaking of Jesus' first coming. Rather, it was His second coming the prophet envisioned and spoke of.

But what does this scripture have to do with you and me? How is this passage germane to our lives today? Well, the Lord's promise in today's verse is that Jesus will reign, which means wickedness will end. Christ, we are told, will be "just and right" in what He does and how He judges. Ancient prophets predicted that things would get very bad leading up to Christ's return. However, today's verse reminds us that Jesus will replace the bad in the world with good. He will "rule" and reign, doing "what is just and right." When that day comes, all our losses and suffering will be made up to us, and the things we were required to endure (as believers) will suddenly seem "worth it" as we see Christ overturn all evil, bless all who were good, and change this world into the holy and happy place it was destined to be.