“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The LORD declares.’…This is what each of you keeps on saying to his friend or relative:

‘What is the LORD’s answer?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ But you must not mention ‘the oracle of the LORD’ again, because every man’s own word becomes his oracle and so you distort the words of the living God, the LORD Almighty, our God.” — Jeremiah 23:31,35-36

We play fast and loose with the Word of God these days. In-depth Bible study and examining verses in their context takes too much time. People seem to prefer instant revelation and ‘words of knowledge’ on the spot.

I’ve noticed how many believers say, “The Lord told me that thus-and-such is going to happen.” They proceed to give God’s take on the situation, whether it be his answer concerning a marital problem, a career choice, or a reprimand meant for a friend. Actually, I hear it all the time: “Joni, the Lord told me that you will be out of that wheelchair in less than a year.” Their sentiments are well-meaning, but their words are… well, frightening. Frankly, I’m speechless when a Christian prefaces any comment with “The Lord told me…”. Who am I to question the Lord? How can I possible engage this brother or sister in a meaningful debate if they claim they are speaking ex cathedra, or “from the Throne”? It’s a dead end discussion.

“What has the Lord told you?” and “Have you received a word from the Lord?” are phrases packed with presumption. Jeremiah knew this. Division and confusion were running rampant during the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Nobody wanted to listen to the Word of the Lord from Jeremiah forecasting doom and gloom. And so, they leaned on human logic and false hopes in an attempt to pump up people’s confidence in the ability of Jerusalem to withstand the siege. They tried to calm fears and raise expectations by saying, “The Lord told me…” The truth was, God had already spoken in and through the Word.

Get into the practice of speaking for yourself, rather than God. After all, he’s already made his word clear.

* * * * *

Lord, keep me from presumption. Energize me to delve into your Word.

Blessings,
Joni and Friends