Recorded by Jeremiah in
his book at Jeremiah 27:12-15,
we read that he is instructed by Jehovah to tell the people to willingly go
into captivity into Babylon. At the same time, other prophets, also claiming to
speak in the name of Jehovah, are contradicting Jeremiah. Why would God tell
his own nation to willingly submit to captivity and, if Jeremiah truly was
representing God, how would the nation of Israel know that?
Why go? God’s people had for some time (again) been
disloyal to their God. (Look at this outline highlighting
the nation’s idolatry, apostasy, shedding of innocent blood, and more.) His
approval and protection were no longer with them. They deserved to be punished
and God was going to allow Babylon to come in and destroy. Still, as
big-hearted as Jehovah is, he made a concession of sorts, that those who truly
did love him would submit to the “spanking” (if you will) and go to Babylon in
demonstration of the acknowledgement of their failings and acceptance of the
punishment. Those submitting to the punishment, would be spared their lives as opposed to those that continued in a
rebellious course who would die when Babylon invades and destroys.
Identifying the Truth: Hananiah was one of the prophets mentioned by
name that opposed Jeremiah and his message, predicting a completely different outcome for the nation. Jehovah told Jeremiah to predict Hananiah’s death. Adding insult to injury, not only did Hananiah lose his
life, but his prophecies failed miserably as indeed Babylon did destroy the
nation, killing those who obstinately remained behind, believing the fallacious
words of the false prophets that God would protect them.
Lesson: It is hard for some to
believe that their long-cherished beliefs may be wrong. How can a person know
what the truth is when there are so many religions out there making
contradictory claims? Today, we have the complete word of God in the Holy
Bible. It is capable of helping us discern
matters of importance. It has the ability to teach. It
can help us determine whose “fruits”
demonstrate goodness.
I like how Jeremiah got into trouble for this pronouncement and from where it came. The "priests and the prophets" wanted him dead. (Jeremiah 26:11) The "princes and all the people" had no problem with him. (Jeremiah 26:16)
ReplyDeleteIt is that way in Russia. It is always that way. Opposition to the truth stems from the religious realm.
Here is a thread of developments in Russia with our opposers: www.tomsheepandgoats.com/russia