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
In our current political climate, I am comforted by the words that God is nearby. I am quite stunned by the lies and deceit that is framed by the dream being sold and sowed. Why do we as a people look to false prophets and jump on those bandwagons? When fear, anger, vengeance, exclusion, are embraced, God’s name is forgotten.
And yet, I have to wonder, how many times do I listen to what I prefer to hear vs. what is God’s word? I have to ask myself, “Am I grasping at straws that are hollow and will break easily or am I being nourished by wheat that is fulfilling?”
It is a time for us to listen closely to God’s word and to speak out and take action for justice.
Prayer
Lord, when things seem so chaotic and heartbreaking, help us to speak faithfully of your love and hope. Bring all comforts that you are always near. Amen.
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