They dress the wound of my people
    as though it were not serious.
‘Peace, peace,’ they say,
    when there is no peace.

Jeremiah 6:14

For Meditation

1. What kind of messengers are we hearing from in our churches these days? Are they true messengers of God who preach His word in season and out of season to “correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2)? Or, they are messengers who tailor their messages to suit people’s own desires and what their “itching ears want to hear” (3)?
2. Where are all those so-called apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers coming from? Who called them? What mandate do they carry if they claim to have been called by God (Ephesians 4:12-13)? Why then have they turned the church of God into entertainment centers and a place of affirmation for every kind of doctrine and behavior? Why this conformity “to the pattern of this world” when the message of God must be transforming people “by the renewing of [their] minds” (Romans 12:2)?
3. Are we not witnessing the situation of Judah when God declared through Jeremiah in those days: “From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit…they dress the wounds of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace’, they say, when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6: 13-14)? Are we not getting the kind of messengers our “itching ears” deserve?
4. So, what is your tolerance level in all of this mess? Why are you still sitting under those so-called men/women of God? Why are you supporting such ministries when your house is on fire and there is no peace in your heart?
5. Don’t you know that the only One who can give you peace is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)? Don’t you know that only His word – proclaimed by those He has called out and given a mandate to, “to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” – can give you the real peace you desire? (Ephesians 4:11-12)? So, why don’t you seek such true ministers of the word and be nurtured by them?

I pray you will ask yourself these questions, according to 2 Timothy 3:16, when you hear any message proclaimed in the name of Jesus: Does it teach me about the holiness of God and His righteousness? Does it rebuke me about sin? Does it correct my misconceptions and wrong doctrines? Does it train me in righteousness?

May you always remember that: “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13); so that you can assess the messages you are hearing to know if they have this power in your life. And, may the Spirit of God lead and guide you in your search with discernment and wisdom from the throne of God!

Shalom