Honest Reflections on Jeremiah 28 As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet. (vs. 9) Should we trust every teacher of Gods Word? Should we weigh the truthfullness of their message based on how many years they have been in ministry, or how dynamic they are, or how much education they have? How can one discern a true teacher of Gods Word who accurately handles the Word of Truth, from one who is false and teaches in error? Such was the predicament that Jeremiah was in, when he was approached by a supposed prophet named Hananiah. Hananiah, in the presence of the priests, the people of Judah, and Jeremiah himself, proclaimed to the them, that God would end Nebuchadnezzars hold on Judah and all the nations, in a matter of two years (vs. 2-4). Upon hearing the prophets message, Jeremiah responds with praise: Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles (vs. 6). This would be a very good thing, something most defintely desirable, so who in their right mind would not offer praise in the hope that God would act to rescue His people in a short manner of time? But will God indeed act so quickly, if His people did not first truly repent, like He has repeatedly commanded in the past? Will God change His mind so quickly, not making good of His Word, because love does not keep a record of wrongs, but is okay with simply brushing it all under the rug? Jeremiah proceeds to tell this prophet who has spoken, Thus says the LORD, by assuring him that God will prove whether or not his message is true or not. For God does not bend over backwards for man, nor is He governed by their imagination, for He is the sovereign I AM, Maker of all things, and ruler over all creation. Hananiah responds to Jeremiahs comment by trying to make himself sound more convincing, but Jeremiah is not impressed (vs. 10-11). Indeed, the LORD soon reveals to Jeremiah the falsehood of this prophet, after which Jeremiaah confronts him, saying: Listen, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie (vs.15). Consequently then, Hananiah will die no more than two months later (vs. 17). When confronting the false teachers of his day, Paul reminds the believers in Corinth that the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power (1 Cor 4:20). In other words, where the true Gospel is faithfully preached, taught, and ministered with, lives will be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit taking the truths of Gods Word and impressing them upon our souls. Where the Gospel is not faithfully upheld, however, lives wont genuinely be changed for the glory of God. The preacher/teacher may present an applaudable presentation, but if his message is not faithfully upholding the Word of God with all integrity, it will be meaningless and distasteful to God, even as Hananiahs message was. Jesus and Paul both warned about false teachers coming among us, even as wolves disguised as sheep. By this, though, Jesus asserts, will we know who truly is from God and who is not: their fruit. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Mt 7:15-20) Sooner or later, their folly will be made plain to all. Their true fruit, whether good or bad, will be evident, and we will know if their work is truly done in the Lord, even as Jeremiah acknowledged. So, might we test everything with the Word of God, and not carelessly believe every teacher who presents him/herself as one doing the works of God. For if they preach or teach anything contrary to the Word of God, we can rest assured, God did not send them, so dont take heed to their message. May we be the kind of people who hunger and thirst for righteousness, eager to learn the Word of God, and ready to live it out to every moment of the day to a watching world, who desperately needs Christ. Might we be those who are mature in the faith, having our powers of discernment trained by constant practice of the Word of God, to distinguish good from evil (Heb 5:14). Questions. Do you have a favorite Bible teacher that you enjoy sitting under? Does that Bible teacher honestly handle the Word of God, careful to explain the text as it is? Is the Holy Spirit using this teacher to produce real, lasting changes in the people he is teaching, or is he good at just making people feel good about themselves? Are you training yourself well by the constant practice of the Word of God, so you can better distinguish truth from error? Prayer. Father, You are light, and in You there is no darkness at all. All who love You keep Your commands and walk in the manner Christ Jesus showed us. Keep Your servant aware and alert to false teachers, and please strengthen my discernment with Your Word, so I can distinguish truth from error. Protect my family and my church family from false teaching, so they may established in You, rooted deeply in Your Word, and producing fruit for the glory of Your Kingdom. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 15:50:48 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015