Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
When God Declares
Dr. Shaun Rajan
St. Andrews MTC, NY
32
See, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, says the Lord, and who tell
them, and who lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when
I did not send them or appoint them; so they do not profit this people at all,
says the Lord.
We live in a world of competing truths. "It's only the truth if it feels right." "It's only the truth if it does not offend anyone." During a time when hot topics, such as same-sex marriage and faith-based & racial conflicts, permeate the public conversation and create a diversity of stances, the need to filter voices becomes paramount. Discernment is key. Who is speaking the truth? Who is leading down a path of delusion?
The Israelites, during the time of the prophet Jeremiah, were facing similar conflicts and confusions because of prophets who were "scattering the sheep" due to false prophecies and teachings (see Jeremiah 23:1, 16). In the chapters leading up to this passage, God voices His displeasure to the Israelites, who were forsaking God by forgetting His goodness towards His people and turning to false idol worship. Yet, the prophets were saying that no harm would come upon the Israelites for their "stubbornness" and ungodly ways (see 23:17), while they themselves were turning away from the Lord (see 23:13-14). This dulling of the senses by these false prophets made the looming Babylonian conquest and captivity that much more jarring because the Israelites lent their ears to appeasing prophets instead of listening to the warnings and declarations of the one true God.
In this day and age, people want to adhere to the truths that are feel-good and politically correct - statements that emulate, "Life is good, all the time" are most desirable and what people want to hear only. However, as Francis Chan poses, "Why is it that we believe God's promises of blessing but not His promises of punishment?" When Jesus declared, "I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life" (John 14:6; capitalization added), God set forth a singular path to righteousness and holiness. Those who cling to Jesus receive God's promises of salvation and eternal life; those who reject Jesus will reap the consequences they sow. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). Jesus intimates that by having a real relationship with Him, you connect directly to the Truth. By knowing His voice and founding in the Word, we can discern between right and wrong, separating the heresies from the life-giving precepts.
Let us make concerted efforts to draw closer to God to hear His voice in the midst of voices. Let us pray to God for a heart of discernment, just as King Solomon did, to view the world through the lens of God's revealing glory. Listen to God when He declares - it is for the fortification of your life.
We live in a world of competing truths. "It's only the truth if it feels right." "It's only the truth if it does not offend anyone." During a time when hot topics, such as same-sex marriage and faith-based & racial conflicts, permeate the public conversation and create a diversity of stances, the need to filter voices becomes paramount. Discernment is key. Who is speaking the truth? Who is leading down a path of delusion?
The Israelites, during the time of the prophet Jeremiah, were facing similar conflicts and confusions because of prophets who were "scattering the sheep" due to false prophecies and teachings (see Jeremiah 23:1, 16). In the chapters leading up to this passage, God voices His displeasure to the Israelites, who were forsaking God by forgetting His goodness towards His people and turning to false idol worship. Yet, the prophets were saying that no harm would come upon the Israelites for their "stubbornness" and ungodly ways (see 23:17), while they themselves were turning away from the Lord (see 23:13-14). This dulling of the senses by these false prophets made the looming Babylonian conquest and captivity that much more jarring because the Israelites lent their ears to appeasing prophets instead of listening to the warnings and declarations of the one true God.
In this day and age, people want to adhere to the truths that are feel-good and politically correct - statements that emulate, "Life is good, all the time" are most desirable and what people want to hear only. However, as Francis Chan poses, "Why is it that we believe God's promises of blessing but not His promises of punishment?" When Jesus declared, "I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life" (John 14:6; capitalization added), God set forth a singular path to righteousness and holiness. Those who cling to Jesus receive God's promises of salvation and eternal life; those who reject Jesus will reap the consequences they sow. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). Jesus intimates that by having a real relationship with Him, you connect directly to the Truth. By knowing His voice and founding in the Word, we can discern between right and wrong, separating the heresies from the life-giving precepts.
Let us make concerted efforts to draw closer to God to hear His voice in the midst of voices. Let us pray to God for a heart of discernment, just as King Solomon did, to view the world through the lens of God's revealing glory. Listen to God when He declares - it is for the fortification of your life.
PRAYER
In the midst of the hustle and cacophony of this
world, draw me close to You, Lord. Your voice is my comfort. Your words are my
foundation. You are my refuge. Give me courage and discernment to stand forth
boldly with and for Your Truth. AMEN!
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
Do you know of God or do you know God? That is the difference between hearing voices and hearing His voice.
Do you know of God or do you know God? That is the difference between hearing voices and hearing His voice.