July 20, 2025 - Jeremiah 28-31

Hananiah was a false prophet who declared that, within two years, God would break Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon, and that those who had been taken from Jerusalem would return.  A part of Jeremiah's response:  “As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet” (28:9).  The test of a true prophet of God is that his words are true and that all he prophesies comes to pass.  The Bible, uniquely among the world's religious texts, regularly features prophets who speak not only to their contemporary audiences and situations, but also about future matters.  And time and time again, that which they speak of comes to pass.  They truly speak for God.  It’s good that we listen to them.

From Jeremiah’s encouraging letter to those in exile:  “For I know the plan I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (29:10).  The Lord knows the future, he directs it, he holds it in his hand, and he maps it out for the good of us, his people.  No need to fear, just trust him!

From utmost east to utmost west,

where human feet have trod,

by the mouth of many messengers

goes forth the voice of God:

“Give ear to me, ye continents,

ye isles, give ear to me,

that the earth may be filled with the glory of God

as the waters cover the sea.”   --Arthur Campbell Ainger (1894)