Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:16)
One of man’s greatest needs is the wisdom that comes from God. There seems to be a yearning in the hearts of all human beings for something better than what is offered in this fleshly world. Unfortunately, man seems to look in all of the wrong places, and Satan is willing to fill the void.
Such was true in the days of Jeremiah. The people looked for answers and false prophets were willing to peddle their wares. Their foolish counsel gave the people a false sense of security. There are two characteristics of these false teachers that parallel those of the 21stCentury: 1) they received their counsel from the wrong source, and 2) they offered a false hope.
Jeremiah says: They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the LORD. Their teachings came from private speculations and personal intuition. Such subjective counsel is attractive to the masses. In 2023 it is popular to be “spiritual”. However, “spiritual” is loosely defined as whatever pleases the individual. The modern “come as you are”, “live as you please” religion focuses on what pleases man rather than God. It we intend to truly be spiritual we must acknowledge the commandments of the Lord. (I Corinthians 14:37)
Jeremiah then added: They continually say to those who despise Me, 'The LORD has said, "You shall have peace"'. (Jeremiah 23:17) Modern religions are designed to make one feel good about themselves. The counsel that comes from God offers peace only to those who painfully acknowledge their faults. Truth can be painful, but beneficial.
Thus, we must “test the spirits” (I John 3:1), For who has stood in the counsel of the LORD, And has perceived and heard His word? Who has marked His word and heard it? (Jeremiah 23:18)
By George Slover |
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