The Pulpit Commentary — Jeremiah — Volume 1 — Section 513

marked prominence, and towers above bis successors, who are only regarded as following his initiative. Regarding the prophecy with the fuller light of Christian times, we may see how it is a true foreshadowing of the nature and work of Christ, though, of course, only partial and limited, as the shadow can only indicate the general form of its object, and that in but one aspect. I. THE onrnm OF TIIE MESSIAH. 1. He comes from a human stock. He is called o. "Branch," or, rather, a" Sprout." Christ entered the world by birth; he was "made of a woman." Hence his oneness with us, his human sympathy, true example, and representative character as the High Priest of the race. 2. He comes of the family of David. This historical fact is significant. Christ is a born King, a rightful Sovereign. He realizes the ideal which the kings of the Jews had failed to attain, but which the best of them bad aimed at. 3. He comes quietly and gradually. The sprout springs from a bud by slow growth. Christ began his life as an infant, and grew in physical, mental, and spiritual powers (Luke ii. 52). He did not astonish the world with a sudden apparition of majesty. His kingship is like his kingdom, a quiet and gradual growth as that of a tree from a seed (Matt. xiii. 31-32). 4. He comes with close relations to the circumstances of the world. The sprout is vitally connected with the earth and the atmosphere. It grows in the natural season of growth. Christ is asso- ciated with all human interests. The o.ges before his advent were preparing for him. Be is the representative of their highest aspirations, the satisfaction of their deepest needs. He comes in the "fulness of ti~e." f>. He comes from a Divine origin. God raises up the righteous Branch. The text tells us no more than that the coming of Christ is providential and through special Divine influences; but we know that God not only raised him, but was in him, as one with his very being. II. 'l'HE OFFICE OF THE MESSIAH. lie is to be a King. It was natural that the Jews should anticipate a temporal sovereign, and natural, therefore, that they should have been disappointed at the appearance and conduct of Jesus of Nazareth. Yet was he not, is be not, a King? lie professed to be a King (John xviii. 37). 'l'he apostles claimed submission to him as to a King (Acts xvii. 7). His influence is kingly. The essence of kingship is not seen in the sitting on a material throne and wearing a visible crown, but in the exercise of power over men. Christ is the one lrue King, because he rules the thoughts and affections and wills of men. Human sovereigns can only com- mand external obedience. While the slave cringes before the throne be may be cursing his master in his heart. Christ is satisfied with no such superficial loyalty. He seeks the allegiance of the heart, and he wins it from all his people. We must, therefore, recognize this great fact-Christ is a King as well as a Saviour. While he delivers us from ruin, he expects submission to his authority. He is a Saviour partly by being a King, for his royal influence is one means of his deliverance of m1mkind. 'l'herefore the selfish Christianity which would accept escape from ruin, but would not accord loyal obedience, is a delusion. We cannot even be safe, cannot even escape from the ruiu of our sin, except by bowing to the rule of Christ. We can only find rest unto our souls by taking on us his yoke. True faith, therefore, includes trust in the king- ship as well ns in the redemption of Christ, i.e. active fidelity in addition to passi vo confidence. III. THE CHARACTER OF TIIE MESSIAH. 1. lie is rigliteous. 'l'his was much in contrast to tho unrighteousness of contemporary rulers. 'l'aking tho word "righteous" in the largest sense, we have assurance of the truth, justice, holiness, and goodness of Christ. If this righteousness of the Messiah is a ground of rejoicing to the prophet, how much more shall we Christians rejoice in witnessing his gentleness, compassion, and love? 2. lie i·ules righteously. The character of the government is necessarily dete1'- mi □ed by that of the ruler. 'l'he great King comes to live not for himself, but for his people, and not to e:tecute stern judgments upon them, but to secure their highest good. Christ reigns for the good of his people. If wo submit to his rule wo find our own blessedness secured thereby. Vor. 6.-The new name. (Seo also eh. xx:xiii. 16.) God's people are to have a new name. In the epistle to the Church at l'ergamos, every one" that overcometh" is as~uretl that he will receive" a white stone, and in the stone n new name written" (ltcv. ii. 17). This i11 suggestive, not only of a chnngc of character, but of a change of  620 'l'HE IlOOK OF 'l'llE PROPHET JEHEMIAH, [cu. xxm. 1-4.0,