False Prophet 2

False Prophet 2

 

Jeremiah 23:23-40

 

The Lord says, "Can a man hide himself in a secret place so that he cannot be seen by me? Am I not full of heaven and earth?" A prophet who prophesies falsely says I had a dream and prophesies deceitful things in his heart. This causes God's people to forget God's name. However, those who have received the word of God will speak with sincerity. God says that God will strike those who prophesy false dreams and deceive the people with lies and vain pride. Never again should we use the expression “the word of the Lord as a burden.” Tell anyone who uses such language that it really weighs on him. Say, 'Because to speak so is to pervert the words of the living God, our God, the Lord of hosts.' He said that they would suffer everlasting reproach and eternal shame that they could not forget.

 

God is a near God and a distant God (23-25). He is the one who is full of heaven and earth who sees and knows that prophets who prophesy falsely prophesy cunning things in their hearts. Therefore, we must always abandon lies before God and live a life of truth.

 

Even if false prophecies are made with fabricated visions, saying, ‘I received a revelation in my dream!’, God says, ‘The prophet who received my words must faithfully convey only my words’ (25-28). In a world full of false prophecies, we must faithfully preach the word of God and listen to the words of such a prophet.

 

People ridicule Jeremiah's words of judgment and warning, calling them 'the solemn words of the Lord'. 'Severe words' means words that become a burden. Those who regard the Word as a burden will be punished by God. If it is the word of God, no matter how uncomfortable or pessimistic it may be, you must have an attitude of accepting it.

 

God, help us correctly discern the prophets who prophesy falsely and faithfully preach the word of God! Stay away from false words that are easy to hear, and let us receive the powerful and truthful Word of God!