Truth Filter - Jeremiah 14:14

Jeremiah 14:14 Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.” (NIV)

Times were hard for the prophet Jeremiah and his people. They were surrounded by their enemies and the collapse of their community was imminent. God had tried to make His intentions clear by using Jeremiah as His mouthpiece, but the people did not want to hear or embrace the truth. Instead, they listened to lying prophets who were making false claims about their nation and its leaders; they were fooled by religious charlatans who just wanted to preserve their own status and power.

Jeremiah was not popular because his words attacked the unchecked egos of the leaders, as well as the foolishness of the people. No one wanted to be told that they were wrong, especially if it involved humiliation and shame, so God’s people chose to cling to false words and foolish ways simply because their pride was dented and their decisions were delusional. Jeremiah was given words from God that eventually put the prophet’s life in danger, but the Truth is often like that – it causes discomfort, dislike, and disturbance to those who are willing to speak out.

So, today, let’s all think about what is really true and what is blatantly false. Let us ask God for the gift of discernment to recognize His true messengers and to reject false prophets. May we also really ponder over our own current beliefs and decisions by asking ourselves this: is this what God honestly considers to be true or have I foolishly deluded myself?

Point to ponder

How do I decide what is true? Do I base it on my personal feelings or do I filter it through God’s words?

Prayer: Lord God, we live in turbulent times and find ourselves not knowing what truth actually is. Help us to discern between what is fake and authentic. Teach us to beware of those who would tell us lies that we want to hear, instead of the truth You want us to embrace. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Light of Liberty.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Light.

Handling the Truth - Acts 21:38

Acts 21:38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?”

            It appears that fake news has been around for thousands of years. In part of today’s passage (Acts 21:37 – 40) the apostle Paul’s presence in Jerusalem had started a riot. The Roman commander quickly responded and sought to arrest Paul. The charges? According to the commander, Paul fitted the description of a wanted outlaw who previously caused a revolt and recruited four thousand terrorists to form a rebellion. Obviously, the commander had been misinformed about Paul and was ready to arrest him based on the fake news he had been given.

            Passing on false information, including gossip and rumors, is something that Christian people are seriously commanded not to do. Reputations can be destroyed because of false rumors and mistaken charges. Christians who do this shame Jesus whom they follow and serve. In fact, Christ Himself gave a strict warning about this grave sin: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have passed on. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37). This includes passing on Fake News by email, Facebook, Twitter, or other social media.

            As people who call themselves Christians, we are meant to be salt in a tasteless world and light in a time of darkness. If we fail to be truthful and honest because we allow our prejudices and pride to influence our choice to forward unconfirmed and false information, then we damage the community we are meant to help heal, put ourselves under God’s severe judgment, and diminish Christ’s sovereignty over our lives.

Point to ponder

Have I ever passed on fake news or false information to hurt other people? Do I understand that this can have serious consequences for me as a Christian?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, protect us from ourselves, our pride, and our prejudicial views. Keep us from falling into the temptation of passing on false information. Deliver us from doing harm to others simply because we want to pass on gossip or unverified biased opinions. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Bible bulletin covers called “I am the Way.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Way.