08/14/18 False Prophets

READING: Jeremiah 21-24

“They are deluding you.”

Jeremiah 23:16

I wonder how easy it would be to be a false prophet. If the crowd heard only a negative message from other prophets, it might be tempting to be the only positive one in the room. And then, I might re-think my message if the people were imprisoning or killing other prophets whose message seemed negative and judgmental. Further, the fallenness of the human heart might lead me to crave popularity and position over the truth of my message. The devil, of course, would also want to deceive prophets to speak lies. 

I trust I would follow in none of these steps, but history records more than one false prophet like those Jeremiah describes: “This is what the Lord of Armies says: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are deluding you. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the Lord’s mouth’” (Jer. 23:16). Even if I were to never fit this description, I also wonder if I’ve ever substituted my own words and ideas for God’s—which would then put me among those who’ve moved in the wrong direction. 

My point is simple: I want to be a true man of God who spends time with God before I speak about Him. I never want to be among those of whom God might ask in judgment, “For who has stood in the council of the Lord to see and hear his word? Who has paid attention to his word and obeyed?” (Jer. 23:18).

ACTION STEPS: 

  • Pay attention to God’s Word. Act in some way on what the Lord is teaching you. 
  • Never teach without having first been with God. 

PRAYER: “God, I never want to move anywhere near being a false prophet. Protect my mind and heart.”  

TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 25-28

 

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