“An appalling and horrible thing
has happened in the land:
the prophets prophesy falsely,
and the priests rule at their direction;
my people love to have it so,
but what will you do when the end comes?”
– Jeremiah 5:30-31
God spoke through Jeremiah to a particular people and situation some 2600 years ago. And yet, He could easily be describing the present day, so take careful note of what He says! Today, we’re flooded with experts, prognosticators, politicians, and self-described prophets predicting the present and future based largely on whatever they want to happen. They speak to increase their own power, fame, influence, and wealth. Some claim to speak for God, while others are embraced as if they were speaking for God. Regardless, people today seek them out and can’t get enough of what they have to say.
Are any of them true prophets? Do any of them have real insight from the Lord? That seldom gets evaluated carefully. Today, all we care about is whether they’re saying something we already agree with, impressed by, or want to be alarmed by. Whether we want to be vindicated, angered, or alarmed, far too many of God’s people have an endless appetite for the word of these experts poured out on their favorite news channels, podcasts, blogs, and social media platforms.
Are you among them? What are you listening to, watching, and reading? Is it “news”? Is it opinion? Is it a self-proclaimed prophet? Or is it the unchanging Word of God? How much time and attention do you give to reading or listening to the Bible yourself, studying for yourself, and learning for yourself? How much time do you give to the prophecies, predictions, and analyses of others? Devote the greater portion of your time and energy to studying God’s word rather than loving prophets are are likely false.
Likewise, beware of “holy” men and women – pastors, preachers, bishops, leaders – who are busy doing their thing, following their own way or the way of other people rather than the way of Jesus. Jesus is the ruling king of the universe. He MUST rule in His churches. He must rule over His people. Don’t love a religious leader who isn’t obeying and teaching the clear word of Jesus. No matter how good they sound or kind they may seem, if they aren’t shepherding under the authority of our Great Shepherd, Jesus, they’re guiding their flock (real or virtual) to destruction!
Every follower of Jesus must be discerning about who and what they are following. To be prepared for these turbulent, latter days don’t follow someone just because you love them. Follow them because they’re speaking and following Jesus themself. #FollowJesus