Devotional: The Prophets Speak Jeremiah 14:13-14

The protest is made by over 10,000 marchers in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. People are carrying signs with various messages. The most important ones say “Black Lives Matter.” The crowd is demanding that their voices be heard. Black people are encouraged by the fact that people of all colors; all races; all genders are participating in the march. Black people are hopeful because all over the world people are marching, it seems, on behalf of Black people. The voices are many, and they all agree that it is time for change; especially as related to systemic racism, oppression, injustices, and police brutality. Who are these voices? What is their message? Everyone thinks that their position is right. How can they all be right when they often do not agree on what ought to be done and how to achieve their goals? In order to find a solution all the voices say, “We must come together and find a solution that works for everyone” Is this possible? Who will have the last word?

The prophet Jeremiah stands alone. The Lord has said that disaster is coming upon Jerusalem and Judah. The Babylonians are coming to destroy the land, and they will take the people away in to captivity. The people will live in exile for seventy years. The prophets speak. They speak a word that disagrees with the words of the Lord. The prophets are saying that the captivity will last for only two years. Who will the people believe?

In our walk through life we hear many voices. There are self proclaimed prophets. These prophets speak. They say that they speak for God. However, the Lord says that He did not send these prophets. They speak, but their message does not come from the Lord. Who should I believe?

You and I hear voices speaking every day. Who are these prophets that we hear speak? You and I necessarily must decide which voice we will listen to. There is no straddling the fence. You and I must choose which voices that we believe to be the prophets of Baal and the prophets of the Lord our God. How will we know? How can we know?

You and I must know the Lord’s words. We must know His ways. Long before Jeremiah, prophets of the Lord, beginning with Moses, have been warning Israel of the captivity if the people break their covenant with the Lord. The prophets speak. You and I must determine if they are prophesying the same message that the prophets of God that we read in the bible have spoken. It’s not always an easy task. Yet, ultimately you and I will decide which voice we believe.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for sending prophets to speak on Your behalf. Amen.