Jeremiah 28:1–10, 15–17

Key Verse: "The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him." (Jeremiah 28:9)

While Jeremiah labored to warn Jerusalem of the impending judgment of God, the forces of Satan tried to confuse matters with a contrary word. A visitor named Hananiah, identified as the son of a prophet, appeared at the temple declaring that Nebuchadnezzar's yoke on Israel would soon be broken. Hananiah even had the temerity to remove the wooden yoke Jeremiah was wearing (the one we read about in the previous chapter) and destroy it to illustrate his point.

Jeremiah's response to Hananiah shows us how the believer should evaluate prophecy. Jeremiah expressed his pleasure at the notion that God would soon end the domination of the Babylonians (v. 6), but he withheld his full endorsement of the prophecy because it was a reversal of the previous messages he and other prophets had been given (v. 8). In the same way, Christians are told not to despise (automatically dismiss or ignore) prophecies, but instead to prove (test) them (1 Thess. 5:20,21).

First, we measure the prophecy against the yardstick of revealed truth. This is what Jeremiah was doing when he recalled the previous predictions of war and suffering. The principle is the same today: we should be wary of any prophecy that appears to contradict what God has already declared in His word. Of course, to apply this test, we must be knowledgeable of scripture.

The next measure of any prophecy is confirmation. We notice that Jeremiah did not become argumentative or accusatory immediately after Hananiah's theatrics. The prophet simply "went his way" (v. 11). In time, the Lord revealed to him that Hananiah was a false prophet, and then Jeremiah confronted him (v. 15). We must not be hasty to either embrace or reject a prophetic word. It is wise, instead, to petition God and wait for Him to confirm or deny that it is His word.

Ultimately, a prophecy is true if it comes to pass. The genuine seer was 100% accurate. He spoke as he was moved by the Holy Ghost, so he had no possibility for error. God established His prophets by having them speak into local situations early in their ministries. When their word consistently came to pass, it was known they could be trusted to prophesy about events in far away places or the distant future. Those with the gift of prophecy today will likewise prophesy inerrantly about verifiable matters, and thereby demonstrate their trustworthiness.

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People dont care whether or not a prophet is called of God or not.
Its very soothing to have some one say everthing is going to be alright in their personal situation and people enjoy delivering good news to people. Its only natural.
Jeremiah had it very bad - no one wanted to hear the warnings that the Lord issued through Jeremiah and they took it out on Jeremiah.
I remember I visited this church and this preacher told me to take off my shoes so that he could anoint my shoes so that I could be blessed with money.
That kind of stuff does nothing for me.
Dont prophesy smooth things over me - it such a dangerous thing - it could put me to sleep 'spiritually'.
I have to agree with your appraisal. So many people have a Balak mindset... like the Moabite king in Numbers 22, they think they can pay the prophet to make promises to them of pleasant things. And some ersatz prophets have the spirit of Balaam, and cater to the wishes of the people in order to get paid. But some of us want a genuine word from the Lord: it may not always make you feel good, but at least you know it is true. And there are some trustworthy saints with a gift of prophecy--who aren't looking to collect an offering out of you, but just have an unction to tell "what thus saith the Lord."
Keep on keeping on revealing what is called TRUTH, those who adhere will hear and will not be deceived.
Galatians 6:1
However, Ecclesiastes 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was UPRIGHT, even words of TRUTH.
Some people tend to confuse the position of the spokesman, since they may have a Freudian slip and say God said, when they really mean what the writer has written. Ephesians 4:11-12 He gave some
Ecclesiastes 5:1
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be READY to HEAR.
James 1:19
Be swift to HEAR. (Understand clearly what is suggested or stated)
Slow to SPEAK (to judge)
2 Timothy 2:15
STUDY to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of TRUTH.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the FAITH, prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus CHRIST is in you.
We tend to fall short according to Mark 16:17-18 Signs and Wonders
Be anxious for nothing
Romans 8:35-39
Let nothing SEPARATE us (you) from the love of God.
We must learn to take on the the responsibily to learn and hear from what is identified as right. And not always looking to hear a word. Jesus was born with the WORD, so we must ask what are we born with?
Thanks again for this opportunity to become enlightened.

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