“… like a hammer …”

“I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? 27 They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal worship. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the LORD. 29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?  30 “Therefore,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. 31 Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The LORD declares.’ 32 Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” declares the LORD. “They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the LORD.
(Jeremiah 23:25-32; NIV. Please read Jeremiah 21-26.)

These sins and the condemnation of the Lord, regarding these sins, are specific to the time and place of Jeremiah. But are there no applications – no lessons to be learned – for us?

Is it possible that there might be preachers and teachers, who do not preach or teach the truth? Is it possible that they might lie? Is it possible that they might claim to speak for the Lord but preach their “delusions“? Is it possible that they might just be repeating what they have heard from each other … stealing “from one another’s words, supposedly from me”? Is it possible that there are preachers and teachers, who do not “benefit” God’s people … “in the least“?

Of course … such dangerous and damaging situations are possible.

Therefore, we must take personal responsibility for our own faith – entrusting our souls to no man or woman. But we must also be ready to “stop the mouths” of those, who do not speak the “oracles” of God. That would also include those, who speak as if their opinions or preferences (traditions or heritage) are the “oracles” of God.

ON SECOND THOUGHT: Over the years I have become concerned with what seems to be the increasing preaching of positions – rather than the preaching of God’s Word. Years ago – I was called by a man, who wanted to know my position on a brotherhood hermaneutic issue. He mentioned two books written by two Christian men, who had opposing views. “Who’s position do you support? Whose side are you on?” My answer - much too simple – offended him. I lost his support, but I still agree with my answer: “I take Jesus’ position – I am on His side!” I want to live and teach – just that way.  

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