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Jeremiah 22:24 – 23:32 False Prophecy

by fol CHURCH on April 12, 2021

In our modern world we are subjected to so many competing messages; through newspapers, the internet, TV, social media and our own friends and acquaintances.  Some of these may be good but so many are mis-informed, prejudiced or selfish, sometimes deliberately so.  The rise of political populism in this country and others has set a dangerous course of not facing up to our own weaknesses and failings, but looking to blame others instead of dealing with our own problems.  Difficult and potentially unpopular conversations and strategies are avoided in order to tell the people what they want to hear.

It wasn’t so different 2600 years ago.  Jeremiah had been warning the people of Judah and their leaders about their ways, which were becoming increasingly corrupt.  Not surprisingly his was not a popular message and so he was ignored and rejected.  In this passage he has strong words from God for false prophets.  There were many who claimed to be prophets but followed a populist line, “filling you with false hopes” (v.16) and saying “no harm will come to you” and “you will have peace” (v.17).  Not only were they spreading lazy, false messages, but they were doing so in God’s name.

Unfortunately Christian communities are also not immune to populism or false prophets, and we should be aware.  There are several signs to watch out for.  Does their message look like something Jesus would preach?  Is it rooted in love?  Is it humble?  Does God get the glory, or are they self-serving, appealing to base instincts and that of their audience?  Jeremiah’s words point out the problem at the root of these false prophets; that they have not heard from God as they have not bothered to spend any time with him.  Verse 18 talks of “Standing in the council of the Lord to see or to hear his word”.  This conveys the idea that God can and will speak through us when we spend quality time with him and study his word.  Verse 22 confirms that “if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to the people…”.  Essential advice for us today, both in order to prophesy and to discern good and false prophecy.

Why is this important for us?  The final verse of this passage sums it up very nicely.  “They did not benefit these people in the least”.  False prophecy and populism is ultimately a pointless and meaningless endeavour.

 

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Father, give us the sensitivity and openness to hear Your voice directly and through those around us.  Holy Spirit, give us the wisdom to discern truth from false prophecy.  Jesus, teach us to speak out of genuine love. Amen

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