SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 23
THE RIGHTEOUS BRANCH (vs. 1-8)
The shepherds were supposed to care for the sheep. But the shepherds in Judah has scattered the flock and driven them away. So God will raise up a righteous branch, a king who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. Judah will be saved and Israel will live in peace.
LYING PROPHETS (vs. 9-32)
The Lord condemned godless prophets who prophesized by Baal, leading the people of Israel astray, and strengthening the hands of evil men. They commit adultery and tell lies. So the Lord told the people not to listen to what they were prophesying because he did not send them. They spoke vision from their own minds, and gave false hope and false peace. They prophesized false dreams and led people astray with their reckless lies.
FALSE ORACLES AND FALSE PROPHETS (vs. 23-40)
God warned that there are people who say his own word and claim that “this is the oracle of the Lord” because it distorts the word of the living God. People who say “this is the oracle of God” will be cast out by God. They will have everlasting disgrace and shame.
THOUGHTS;
The shepherds of Judah were selfish and disloyal to God’s covenant. The kings did not protect the people. So, one day God the king will gather them and establish His kingdom in righteousness.
The false prophets invent their vision and claim that it is the oracle from God. Be sure that people who give you spiritual counsel are called by God, are men of God and heed God’s word.
WARNINGS SIGNS OF FALSE PROPHETS:
- They do not give the people spiritual direction nor are they examples of godliness.
- They invent their visions and pass them off as oracles from God.
- They change God’s message to make it more palatable.
- They are arrogant and self-serving appealing to the desires of their audience instead of being true to God’s Word.
God had harsh punishment for those responsible to lead Israel in God’s path. Leaders in church are also responsible for those being trusted to their care. Remember that you are accountable for God and for those you influence and and came in contact with.
True prophets and false prophets are compared to a chaff and wheat. Chaff is useless for food while wheat is a nourishing Food. When you share the gospel, you have a great responsibility because the way you present it and live it will encourage people either to accept it or reject it. As you share God’s Word with friends, they will look for its effectiveness in your life. In short, live what you preach.
People mocked Jeremiah because he always brought sad news of God’s condemnation and showed the people how bad they were. But those sad news were the truth. Have you rejected a message because it did not fit what you want to hear?