In this chapter we hear about Hananiah the false prophet who says the complete opposite of what Jeremiah / God is saying.
“Hananiah… the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the Lord, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon…’ and the prophet Jeremiah said, ‘Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord make the words that you have prophesied come true…’ [some time later] Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, ‘Listen, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie. Therefore thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the Lord.” ‘ [shortly thereafter] the prophet Hananiah died.” (v1-2, 6, 15-17 abr)
Ponder this for a moment. If God knows everything, including things that have yet to pass, then He knows when a false prophet is about to lie. Why would God allow people to be lied to and His name / word be profaned?
God gave us freewill. God also gave us His word, His followers, and His indwelling Holy Spirit to help guide us. I think God allows us to continue hearing falsehoods in the hope that we will choose to learn and accept His truths. If there isn’t an option (ie. God prevents all lies, allowing only truth), then we are not given a freewill choice.
As difficult as it may seem to separate truth from fiction, when fiction honestly seems more believable some days, I suggest we make the effort to sort it out. God gives us all the tools and support we need to choose truth over lies. All we need to do is ask for His help and trust in Him, and He will guide our feet on the paths of truth and righteousness.
Father God, our Lord of Truth and King of Righteousness, You have blessed us with everything we need to know Your word and Your will. Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding our ways and opening our eyes to the Father’s leading. Thank you Jesus for being our best example of walking in truth and obedience, may we follow Your ways. We praise You our Lord and Creator for showing us the ways of truth that lead to life. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training