Read: Jeremiah 7:1-11
But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. (v. 8 NIV)
It seems to me that some of the most successful churches and pastors I see are those that only preach good news. This kind of motivational speaking is designed to achieve rapid popularity and deflect the cost of personal rejection, persecution, and loneliness. It’s all about maximum profit with minimum investment—a message that promises everything and doesn’t ask its hearers to sacrifice anything.
Jeremiah is sometimes called the weeping prophet because of his deep sorrow over the sins of his people and the impending judgment he had to proclaim. And yet in his preaching, he was bold, unwavering, relentless, faithful, and emotionally honest in delivering the message from God. Despite rejection, persecution, and loneliness, he refused to join the band of fake prophets who profited themselves by delivering false good news. Jeremiah was committed to the whole truth, well-balanced between judgment and hope, embodying God’s grief over a rebellious nation and yet pointing to a future covenant of restoration.
Prophetic preaching is contemporary, relevant, and filled with the spiritual wisdom of life. What kind of news do you choose to hear? Are you willing to hear the kind of faithful, truth-filled news that brings you closer to God? Through Jeremiah, God calls us to repentance and promises us a future when we turn to him (Jer. 29:11).
As you pray, turn to God and confess your faith in him.
Words of Hope’s South Asia Ministry field leader is based in India and works with more than 70 team members sharing the hope of the gospel in more than 20 languages. Because of security concerns, we have chosen not to share his name.
