False Prophets Face Severe Judgment (Jeremiah 8-14)
We look with favor on Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the lot of them. In their day, they were accused of being false prophets. And vice versa, they accused others of being false prophets.
In the end, the true prophets were known by all, in major part, because God was glorified through His direction in their lives.
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We look with favor on Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the lot of them. In their day, they were accused of being false prophets. And vice versa, they accused others of being false prophets.
In the end, the true prophets were known by all, in major part, because God was glorified through His direction in their lives.
It’s never too late to start!
Download your first two weeks free by signing up below (or buy Book One of the Family Bible Plan)!
Prophets of God...
Smack dab, in the middle of Jeremiah 14:14, we find out that all true prophets are sent by God, and that there are 2 different ways prophets are directed by God.
We know from Biblical text that Isaiah and Jeremiah were both called directly by God. But think if you were in that time, would you believe Jeremiah’s words? If so, why?
What about the opposite voices of men who also called themselves prophets of God?
It’s easy for us to read and see what seems so obvious. Look at your current scenario in life, are you ignoring someone claiming the name of God who keeps seeking God’s glory to be lived out in this messed up world? Or is there one that speaks peace and blessings to come that you crave to hear more?
Cautious… be cautious! You could be held guilty for following a false prophet without doing your Biblical “due diligence”.
Who opposed him...
Jeremiah was called to a lonely life, and he still obeyed his calling and the direction God asked him to go. His life and body were given in full surrender to the will of the Lord.
He was HATED though.
Think about it, here was a nation that had completely turned away from God. How welcome do you think Jeremiah’s message was to them? ‘Hey guys, destruction is coming your way because you continually turned away from God living wicked lives. Now, He is about to turn His face away from you.’
It doesn’t end there. The false prophets and priests were just as guilty. And according to the Bible were held to a higher standard of guilt… for daring to say they spoke for the Lord.
That is not a light-hearted offense.
Peace and discrediting...
The false prophets of Jeremiah’s day were ‘tickling the ears’ of those who listened. The people wanted to hear peace was coming, that their lives would be easy, and that no judgment would come their way.
The false prophets dared claim it was God who provided them that information to pass on.
To ensure their message would continue to be received unchallenged, they tried to not only discredit Jeremiah, but they plotted his death. These were men from his hometown, and to top it off, it turns out that even his family was involved.
Judgment on False Prophets...
God had consequences planned for the Israelites. They had turned away and were now about to walk through desolate valleys. For the false prophets, they were called to destruction for daring to use the name of God without authority.
It is a very serious thing to call yourself a prophet of God, even more serious to claim your message comes from God (if it actually doesn’t).
Jumping back to Deuteronomy, we see the message God gave the Israelites about testing the truth of a prophesy.
Not only that, but we are to use the Word of God to confirm a prophet’s message. If it does not align or points to a different Jesus (an idol), then you are not to listen to anything they say.
Be like a Berean to determine false prophets...
Keep in mind, the Israelites were not treated as though collective victimhood status could be claimed here. They were guilty if they followed a false prophet… and it turns out a majority of them did.
The Israelites had their own share of blame to accept for their actions. God had warned them over and over to obey, even sending true prophets to warn them.
In the New Testament, we get this same picture of the Bereans confirming the truth of Paul’s message by going to the Scriptures. They wanted to be sure that what he said aligned with what God says.
Over and over, we find that recurring theme… we are to challenge everything against the Truth, God’s Word.
Be like a Berean, and challenge EVERYTHING against the Word of the Lord.
Do you live for HIS glory?
A motto that should fast to every area in our lives… why not grab a daily reminder to boast for Whom we live to please?
Soli deo Gloria!
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Jeremiah’s ministry was hard and yet be remained faithful. Quite an inspiration!
We have to be so discerning in who we listen to – and also in what we say regarding God and His word.