Days 191&192: Jeremiah 13-20

In Jeremiah 13 we find more about these false prophets who give the people the news they want to hear and say it's from God:

But I said, “Alas, Sovereign LORD! The prophets keep telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.’”  Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds." (14:13-14)

I can't help but wonder about all the people who claim to speak for God today. Some of them are very obviously off track, like the Koran burning guy in Florida, or the Westboro Baptist Church folks who are so filled with hate that they use the word in their web address. But what about others who are not so obvious? What about Tim Keller, Rob Bell, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and all the other "celebrity" pastors who are listened to by so many people? Every one of these guys probably believe and teach some points of doctrine with which I would disagree. Does that make them a "false prophet" whom God has "not sent or appointed"?

What about me? It's my responsibility to know and understand God's word as best I can and to know Him as intimately as possible to make sure what I say and do are His words and actions.

Jeremiah had a tough row to hoe...and yet God promised to go with him and protect him. I believe He does the same for us.

I will make you a wall to this people,
   a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
   but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
   to rescue and save you,”
            declares the LORD. (15:20)

I think the word "deceived" is interesting here. Actually, according to a footnote an alternate translation would be "persuaded". I like that word better...even though Jeremiah may have felt deceived. Either way I think Jeremiah describes well the emotions involved in being a faithful spokesman for God:

You deceived me, LORD, and I was deceived;
   you overpowered me and prevailed.
I am ridiculed all day long;
   everyone mocks me.
Whenever I speak, I cry out
   proclaiming violence and destruction.
So the word of the LORD has brought me
   insult and reproach all day long.
But if I say, “I will not mention his word
   or speak anymore in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a fire,
   a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
   indeed, I cannot. (20:7-9)