Today, as we continue reading Jeremiah, we see him contending with wicked and rebellious people and corrupt spiritual leaders.
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:1–2, KJV)
Calling Out Corrupted Pastors
What message do these pastors preach? The message is such that we could sit under these pastors and never be convicted of our sins.
They continually say to those who despise Me, ‘The Lord has said, “You shall have peace”‘; And to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say, ‘No evil shall come upon you.’ ” (Jeremiah 23:17, NKJV)
Their message is: Everyone is good, all is okay with God, and your best life is ahead! There is no calling out of sin and calling unto repentance. Notice what God says of this message.
This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to his people: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the Lord! (Jeremiah 23:16, NLT)
God Is Against Their Message
What is the LORD’s reaction to these pastors and prophets?
“Therefore,” says the Lord, “I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me. I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, ‘This prophecy is from the Lord!’ I am against these false prophets. Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people. I, the Lord have spoken! (Jeremiah 23:30–32, NLT)
Not All Gospels Are The Same
Wow, what a corrupt clergy! It is no wonder that God says they have driven His people away from Him. They have comforted sinful people in their sins. They have given false assurances. They have blessed the people when God hadn’t.
What a reminder to us that not all that speak in the name of the Lord are from the Lord. Not all “Christian” messages are equal. There are indeed many “peddlers” of God’s Word (2 Corinthians 2:17). There are “other gospels” that are not the Gospel (Galatians 1:8–9). Some tamper with the truth (2 Corinthians 4:2). Some devote themselves to deceit and insincerity (1 Timothy 4:1–3), having swerved from the truth (2 Timothy 2:18).
Seeking The Approval of God, Not Men
What did Paul the Apostle say, the one who suffered greatly for the Lord Jesus Christ and bore in his body the disfiguration of persecution?
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. (Galatians 1:10, NLT)
May God give spiritual leaders who seek God’s approval, not man’s. May God give us hearts to desire and accept God’s approved messages.
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Jeremiah 23-25.