This chapter contains a prophesy of Jesus (‘the righteous branch from David’), and a significant commentary on false prophets.
“Concerning the prophets: My heart is broken within me; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, like a man overcome by wine, because of the Lord and because of his holy words. For the land is full of adulterers; because of the curse the land mourns, and the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. Their course is evil, and their might is not right. ‘Both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in my house I have found their evil, declares the Lord. Therefore their way shall be to them like slippery paths in the darkness, into which they shall be driven and fall, for I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment’, declares the Lord.” (v9-12 abr)
God doesn’t sugar-coat His judgement on those who intentionally mislead people, and misrepresent Him out of selfish gain. We’re not talking about ‘average white lies’ here, we’re talking about those who know better, yet twist God’s words into meaning something other than God’s original intent (this is how Satan operates). Such false prophets, charlatans, frauds, swindlers, etc. will eventually receive great punishment.
The good news is, nobody is beyond redemption, and those who are unknowingly led astray will be rescued. Whether we’ve intentionally misrepresented God, or fallen prey to such misrepresentation, God can and will heal and restore us if we invite Him to do so. There is no sin that Jesus did not die for, and He advocates for the innocent, so we’re redeemable either way.
This passage should also remind us to know God and His word as well as we possibly can, for two reasons: so we don’t misrepresent God or His word, and so we are not easily led astray by those who seek to mislead us.
Father God, our Understanding and Everlasting Lord of Love and Compassion, we praise Your holy and awesome name. Please teach us Your ways and Your word O Lord, and lead us on Your righteous paths for You honor and glory. May we always represent Jesus faithfully and correctly to our neighbors, and may Your Spirit safeguard our souls against being misled. We commit ourselves to Your service and glory, from this day forward, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training