Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 23: 9-15

Jeremiah and the False Prophets

Jeremiah’s name can be interpreted as meaning “one who throws or lays down a foundation” and that is what his prophecies did. He was filled with God’s inspiration and saw that the leaders and people of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel had strayed far away from God’s law, that they would be invaded, and carried away to Babylon. He had to ask people to repent and turn again and be obedient to the Lord. He tried all sorts of practical illustrations and demonstrations to make them hear and submit to God’s will. This message was not happily received – people didn’t want to give in to the enemy, accept the destruction of their homeland and go into exile.

Especially during Lent, when we fast and remember Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, we need to prepare ourselves, examine our consciences, clean up and correct our lives and obey the Old and New Testament commandments.

However, there are many temptations. Jeremiah was a true prophet who focused with all he had on what God desired. His heart burnt within him to get the message across, “I am like a man overcome by wine, because of the Lord and his holy words.” (v 9) He felt physical pain when he saw the distractions the false prophets were offering. It wasn’t just that worshipping idols was “easier” and more “attractive,” or that those prophets often demanded money, but they lied and lied, were overcome by their own imaginations. They say, “I had a dream, I had a dream! How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets?” (vv 25-26) They did not test what they saw and said. They led people astray and created more suffering. The false prophets did not see they were heading for a dreadful fate in doing so. Jeremiah foresaw it, and many of his prophecies were fulfilled.

If we are honest, we know there are many, many idols, not as obvious as statues of Baal, but just as dangerous  distractions like the exaggerated pursuit of money, fame, desire for attention, entertainment, numbing ourselves with drugs, alcohol, being generally rebellious, lacking in compassion, and wanting things our own way. The true prophets didn’t, hold their tongues; they told the truth. Paul says, “For the time will come when many will not put up with sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:3) It takes humility and patience to turn away, listen carefully and examine our consciences and ask to be cleansed. We need time, quietness and strong intention.

Verses 23-24 point out why: “Am I only nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him…do I not fill heaven and earth?”

Prayer: May God help us all to have complete honesty and use it to examine our consciences and listen carefully to him. Amen.