Jeremiah 23:23-29 (NRSV)
Read Jeremiah 23:23-29 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23Am I a God near by, says the Lord, and not a God far off? Verse 24Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord. Verse 25I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, "I have dreamed, I have dreamed!" Verse 26How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back-those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? Verse 27They plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. Verse 28Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the Lord. Verse 29Is not my word like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
Devotion
Recently, at Vacation Bible School at the church I serve we shared Bible stories of people who showed faith and boldness, like Daniel and Esther. We talked about how hard it is sometimes to do and say the right thing. It is easier to give good news than bad news, but it is really important that we share the truth, even if it is hard to say.
God's message through the prophet Jeremiah is to those who lack the courage and integrity to tell the hard truth. God has tough news to share: God's people are going the wrong way! They are doing the wrong thing! They are worshipping other gods and treating people unfairly! They need to repent, turn around, go in a new direction! But it is hard to deliver such words, especially to people in power. So the false prophets take the easy way out, saying what the people want to hear instead of delivering the message God needs them to hear.
May we have the courage of Jeremiah: to speak the truth, even when it is hard.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, give us the courage to proclaim and live the truth of the gospel, even when it is hard to do and say. Amen.