August 17, 2013 (Jeremiah 23-25; John 19)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “If they had stood before me and listened to me, they would have spoken my words, and they would have turned my people from their evil ways and deeds.” Jeremiah 23:22 NLT
Observation: The false prophets and phony priest were claiming to speak for God but they had not spent any time in His presence. They would tell of dreams they had claiming these to be from the Lord, but the Lord had not spoken to them or gave them any message. The land was full of adultery and all the people did was evil. The people abused what power they had. Even the priest and prophets were ungodly men committing despicable acts right in the Temple of God. The prophets of Jerusalem were even worse; they committed adultery and loved dishonestly. They encouraged those that were doing evil so that no one turned from their sins. These prophets were as wicked as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah once were. The Lord says, “Does not my word burn like a fire? Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces? Therefore, I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me. I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, ‘This prophecy is from the Lord!”
Application: Spending time in the Lord’s presence ourselves is the only way we will learn to discern between true and false prophets. False prophets bank on their followers just believing what they say and never seeking God themselves about the matter. Many have been, and are being, deceived by false prophets that have not been called or sent by God. These are workers of iniquity that will one day hear the words, “depart from me I never knew you.” They proclaim encouraging messages that lead people down the slippery slope of sin claiming they are speaking for the God of Heaven. But God says, “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They keep saying to those that despise my word, ‘Don’t worry! The Lord says you will have peace!’ And to those that stubbornly follow their own desires, they say, ‘No harm will come your way!” These are false prophets that proclaim a false message of security in perilous times. A true prophet of God proclaims a message from God that turns people from their evil wicked ways. It’s not a socially popular message but it is the only truth that truly sets a captive free!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this wonderful day. Thank You for Your word that speaks directly to my spirit and feeds my soul. Thank You for the warnings You have provided for us to learn from. Thank You for Your amazing patience! I praise You for Your presence that fills the room I sit in today. Thank You for the time in Your presence that enables me to hear from You. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day, in Jesus name, Amen!