The Right Prophets - Jeremiah

The LORD said, “These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts.”

Jeremiah 14:14

If you thought you might have a serious medical condition, would you choose a doctor that you knew would give you an accurate diagnosis so you could begin treatment, or some quack who spoke soothing words in an attempt to convince you that nothing was wrong?

If you wanted a chance to regain your health, then obviously you would go to the first doctor. You would want to know the truth about your condition and find out what was needed for a full recovery.

It also works that way in the spiritual realm.

It is always important to hear God’s true word, and it’s especially important when you face a difficult situation. During the prophet Jeremiah’s ministry, self-professed “prophets of God” contradicted Jeremiah’s warnings about coming divine judgment. They insisted that everything was all right and that God hadn’t really given Jeremiah any messages about his coming wrath.

Their false messages made a dire time in Judah even worse. Even after repeated warnings to turn back to the Lord, the people continued to rebel. Speaking through the true prophet Jeremiah, God pronounced certain judgment, but the people did not want to hear the truth. They wanted comfort rather than conviction, so they listened to the false prophets and continued marching toward their doom.

We have plenty of false prophets today, too; even people with good intentions might try to steer you away from God’s revealed will for your life. They often use pretty words and comforting thoughts, but the real question is whether or not their words match up with God’s words.

You can never go wrong by listening closely for God’s voice in the midst of your life’s challenges. Always ask yourself, Does this message line up with what I know God teaches in the Bible? Comfort, convenience, and getting along are not the issue. The real treasure is found where truth is told.