Jeremiah 5

“An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?” (Jeremiah 5:30–31, NKJV)

As there are natural laws, so there are spiritual laws. The law of sowing and reaping says that if we sow righteousness, we will reap mercy, but if we sow evil, we will reap the same. The people of Judah had been sowing evil for a long time. Now they would reap the evil and destruction of the Babylonians.

The people who should have restrained evil had been derelict in their duty. The prophets prophesied lies; the priests ruled by their own authority and rules. But rather than the people rejecting these unworthy workmen, they loved things just the way they were. They wanted to have spiritual leaders who would tell them what they wanted to hear and keep them comfortable in their sins. They were intoxicated with their illicit pleasures, but the Judge was standing at the door!

I am concerned for our nation when people love comfort more than conviction, when they prefer lies to the truth. I am alarmed when people stop fearing God or government and do whatever they want. This is the state of the world, and if we are not vigilant, this same spirit will enter the church.

We need legitimate prophets who will prophesy the truth of God’s word. We need spiritual leaders who will not lord over others but rule humbly by the authority of Christ. We need people who are not self-serving but who are fully consecrated to the Lord.

“Father, help me to fear you and to love the truth. Help me to sow righteousness and reap mercy.”