SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 28
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the LORD only if his prediction comes true.” [Jeremiah 28:9]
Two prophets with opposing messages – one preaches hope and one preaches judgment – which one do you prefer?
Jeremiah admits that he prefers Hananiah’s message of peace [Jeremiah 28:6] but goes on to add, ‘time will tell which one is right!’
Hananiah discovers that simply preaching a comforting message – positive thinking – will not solve the real issues.
Hananiah discovers that covering up the problem with ‘happy thought’ preaching actually puts a person in opposition to God!
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” [Luke 19:41-44]
Jesus is so like Jeremiah, a prophet who weeps as He shares His tough message.
The people thought they knew what would bring them peace… but they were sadly mistaken.
They refused to listen to the one that could bring them peace – they did not recognize the time of God’s coming to them.
Therefore, what Jesus says comes true – Jerusalem is destroyed in 70 AD.
Jesus is not happy about this – like Jeremiah He wishes that there would be a happier ending – but the truth must be told, palatable or not.
What message do we need to hear from God?
Is there an unpleasant or challenging message that God is trying to get to us?
Are we drowning ourselves in happy thoughts, while ignoring the real issues?
Are we not recognizing the time of God’s coming to us?
Happy, peaceful thoughts are nice, but they only count if they’re true.
If we are following deceptive thoughts, listening to the comforting words of our own Hananiah, time will reveal the hollowness of those thoughts.
And like Hananiah, our hopes will die.
The Lord cannot just whisper comfort and peace, He must also speak truth.
There are ways that we resist God’s peace by our worldly, selfish desires.
Jesus exposes our sinful hearts, He challenges our selfishness, He warns us of the consequences of ignoring His voice.
So far, everything Jesus has predicted has come true.
Will we listen to His voice (hard as it is), or stick to our ‘happy thoughts’?
PRAYER:
Lord, I know which voice I prefer to listen to. But it is foolish to ignore the truth when it hurts. Help me to listen Lord, and to repent and obey!