IS NOT MY WORD LIKE AS A FIRE?
Jeremiah 23:23-29.
Speaking for the LORD, Jeremiah complained that his heart was ‘broken’ within him because of false prophets (Jeremiah 23:9-12).
It is one thing to see such ‘folly’ among the Baal worshipers in Samaria. But even the prophets of Jerusalem were ‘walking in lies’ (Jeremiah 23:13-15).
These prophets in Jerusalem were speaking a vision of their own imagination, and not from the mouth of the LORD. They were telling those who despise the LORD, ‘The LORD has said, Ye shall have peace… No evil shall befall you’ (Jeremiah 23:16-17; cf. Jeremiah 8:11).
The LORD’s testimony is, ‘I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied’ (Jeremiah 23:21).
JEREMIAH 23:23-24. As we come into our text for today, we are alerted to the fact that the presence of the LORD is inescapable. Whereas this is a comfort to believers (cf. Psalm 139), it is ominous for those who are about to fall under the judgment of God (cf. Amos 9:2-4). There is no hiding place from the LORD who fills heaven and earth!
JEREMIAH 23:25-27. Not only does the LORD know everything, but He hears everything. Indeed, He can see into the very hearts of the false prophets (cf. Jeremiah 14:14). Preachers who use His name and yet prophesy lies according to their own deceitful hearts “cause My people to forget My Name.”
JEREMIAH 23:28-29. A contest is proposed. Let the false prophets tell their dreams, and let those who have My Word speak it faithfully (preachers take note!). “What is the chaff to the wheat,” says the LORD.
“Is not My Word like as a fire? says the LORD; and like a hammer that breaks the rocks in pieces?” A refiner’s fire burns away all impurities, whereas a hammer shatters all illusions, false dreams, and all. ‘The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart’ (cf. Hebrews 4:12).
