Jeremiah 23:21-25:38; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 25:15
Such contrasts in our reading today!
On the one hand, we have lots of warnings and
condemnations of false prophets and teachers. On the other hand, there's
such promise for good, such rejoicing! And both extremes appear in both
our Old Testament and New Testament readings! I love how Scripture has
this extraordinary unity across centuries, physical locations, and languages.
Truly, it's amazing.
Look at Jeremiah's words as God's mouthpiece. Over
and over in this book, God denounces the false prophets who are feeding
comfortable lies to the nation of Israel. Instead of reiterating
Jeremiah's message of repentance and destruction, these men prophesy return and
restoration. God is, understandably, very angry with these prophets:
"I will surely forget you and cast you out of my presence.... I will bring
upon you everlasting disgrace -- everlasting shame that will not be
forgotten" (Jer. 23:39-40). Their dreams and delusions (see vs.
25-27) promise a rosy future, but seal their own destruction.
Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, reassures this
church. They were unsettled by false teaching that caused them to worry
that they had missed the return of Jesus (see 2 Th. 2:2). Paul goes on to warn
them about "every sort of evil that deceives those who are
perishing," reminding them that the dying "perish because they
refused to love the truth" (vs. 10). Such an emphasis on deception
versus the truth.
I can't help but think of the lies spread so eagerly by
our enemy. Lies about our value (it comes through our beauty or weight or
age or occupation), lies about our future (we are unsafe, there's not enough,
we can't afford to give), lies about our relationships (chastity and modesty -
pah! - and pornography is victimless). We have pundits selling us an
agenda and headlines prophesying safety in governments or fitness programs or
retirement accounts. We are surrounded, no less than the nation of Israel
or the church in Thessalonica, by false teachers and prophets. It's
enough to make one despair or throw hands up in frustration.
BUT....
Directly after denouncing these liars and dreamers, both
Jeremiah and Paul offer such gentle hope and encouragement for the faithful
followers of God.
"My eyes will watch over them for their good.... I
will build them up...I will plant them.... I will give them a heart to know me....
They will be my people...." (Jer. 24:6-7). What a promise to cling
to! What a prophecy to hope for fulfillment! In the midst of the
untruth, God is yet responsive and working toward his goal.
Paul's forward-looking resembles a prayer of blessing.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us
and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your
hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word" (2 Th. 2:16-17).
That's pretty comprehensive! It's eternal encouragement;
it's good hope. We're strengthened in every good
deed and word. Amen and amen, Paul! Let it be!
And our psalm today puts an exclamation point (to rival
all those I used in the first two and the last two paragraphs) - blessing and blessing, belonging
and safety, God's presence. Go back and read Psalm 84 again, maybe even
in another version. Say it aloud, and feel the truth of the last verse.
"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in
you" (Ps. 84:12).
Amen!
- Sarah Marsh
How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click here to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.
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