1 Samuel 20, Jeremiah 23, Luke 14:12-24, Hebrews 5:11-6:12, Psalm 55: In Jeremiah’s days it was not a lot different than today in some aspects. People don’t want to hear truth. Instead they want as Paul said, their ears tickled and to be told by pastors and teachers what will make them feel good about themselves and what is going on around them. For Israel the result was that their prophets led them far away from God. God held the leaders who spoke untruth responsible. He still does when it comes to preaching only what makes us happy or feel good. Instead we must hear the whole counsel of God’s word and that judgment and wrath comes on those who disobey. That includes leaders, pastors, teachers and anyone speaking as though they hear a word from God. Here is a small portion of Jeremiah’s proclamation from God.
23″Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? 24Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.
God is everywhere and He sees, hears, and knows when we misrepresent Him and His word. Jeremiah’s message was not well received and he sure did not win friends, but he spoke the truth of God’s word and that met favor with God.
The question we must ask ourselves is what we are proclaiming to others the whole truth of God’s word. Yes He loves us all, but there will come a day when He will hold us all to account for each word and deed. He knows not just our outward thoughts and deeds but what we think and our motives.
My prayer for myself and for those of you leading is that God would keep us close and clean before Him. That our words will represent Him and His kingdom accurately and well. That by our testimony many will be brought into the kingdom. I am praying for you. Please pray for me as well.