“Between Truth And Subterfuge!”(Jer.28:5-8).
For a new day we thank you LORD!
The prophet Jeremiah had prophesied that the Babylonian captivity was to last for seventy years. And that when the seventy years were fulfilled, the LORD will punish the king of Babylon, his nation, and the Babylonian land for their guilt(Jer.25:11-12).
Hananiah, contradicted Jeremiah “in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people, telling Jeremiah that the LORD told him that in two years, he the LORD will bring back to Judah the exiles and all the articles of the LORD’S house that Nebuchadnezzar had looted(Jer.28:1-4).
Today’s pericope: “Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah before the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord. He said, ‘Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfil the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the Lord’s house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.”
We have often observed the drama that goes on, especially before some football encounters or elections. Some prophets proclaim with confidence the winner of an election only to cover his face in shame after the election results have been declared or when the winner of the football encounter is not by his prophecy.
Prophecy is about studying and following trends and makung inspirational predictions; it is not about any dream, speculation, or projection.
The Torah gave two distinctive marks of false a prophet:
- A prophet or dreamer who claimed prophecy from God but asked the people to worship other gods than the LORD was a false prophet and had to be put to death. Any false prophecy was God testing the people to see if they would remain faithful to him(Dt.13:1-9).
- “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him”(Dt.18:21-22).
Even though the exile lasted for only fifty-eight years, and not Jeremiah’s seventy as proclaimed, he was nearer the prescribed time frame.
Jeremiah told the exiles to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where they were, praying to the LORD for the city; for the prosperity of the city was theirs as well.
“When the seventy years are completed…I will come to you and fulfil my gracious promise…For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then, when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you…”(Jer.29:7-14).
My friend, when you have a fever, the LORD gives you quinine because it heals fever; though very bitter. When you have a fever, the LORD does not give you sugar. Sugar is sweet but does not cure fever.
Seven years will soon be over; or is it fifty years? But until it is over, there will be no peace unless the LORD’s justice and righteousness are fully established in the land!
Advent prayer: Holy Spirit, give us discernment to know and do what the LORD says and not what we want to hear from false prophecies. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
02/12/2025.