Read Lamentations 1
Highlights:
Jeremiah's lamentation over Jerusalem's misery.
Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment (Lam. 2:14).
Thy prophets refer to false prophets — self-deceived because they have taught their tongue to speak lies (Jer. 9:5). They carried the prophets credentials and maintained recognition and prominence in the world as professional men, but they were not anointed of God. These false prophets could not see that disobedience to God was the root of the nations troubles. They were blind leaders of the blind (Matt. 15:14).
False prophets have no insight into the real cause of personal or national problems. Their prayers are powerless. They are popular because they say what the people want to hear. Faith in a false prophet or system of religion can be eternally disastrous because it leads the people astray. God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life (Rev. 22:18-19).
Many people flock to false prophets. This happens mainly because of the nature of the false message. Some promise great prosperity for following them or investing finances and time into their ministry. They will promise huge returns of ten times or a positive career change. Miracles that only God can deliver are offered. They may also have easier ways to heaven. True believers in Christ would wonder what could be easier than the free gift of salvation by grace. The true servant of God will not be shady or deceitful. True servants have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God (2 Cor. 4:2).
Real prophets will simply seek to proclaim the message of the Lord. That message will match up to the Word of God. It will not cost you a dime to receive it. It will glorify God and not the messenger. If in any way this prophetic message does not stand the test of God's criteria, we know it is not from the Lord and we should avoid this false prophet, so as not to get drawn into his web.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in . . . the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:13-15).
Thought for Today:
Don't risk the eternal destiny of your soul on a “hope-so” religion; God reveals His way of eternal salvation through His Word.
Christ Revealed:
By Jeremiah's sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem (Lam. 1:12-22). Jesus expressed His sorrow for Jerusalem's failure to come to Him before it fell (Matt. 23:37; Luke 13:34).
Word Studies:
1:3 between the straits, where there was no way out; 1:4 solemn feasts, appointed assemblies; 1:9 came down wonderfully, had a horrifying fall; 1:14 wreathed, joined, intertwined; 2:12 their soul was poured out into, they died in.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country: Somalia (7 million) on the Horn of Africa • Major languages: Somali and Arabic • Islam is officially favored and all other religions are opposed • 99.8% Muslim; .1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your decisions will always be to please the Lord (Ps. 73:24).
Optional Reading: Revelation 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Proverbs 3:1-2
