The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost A, July 2, 2023
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost A, July 2, 2023
Chapter 28 in the book of Jeremiah tells the story of two prophets—one a true prophet of the Lord, the other a false prophet. Jeremiah is the true prophet. He has met the criteria set forth in the Book of Deuteronomy: “If a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD but the thing does not take place or prove true, it is a word that the LORD has not spoken.” (18:21) His prophecy concerning the Babylonian conquest of Judah was true; it came to pass. Like the prophets before him, Jeremiah prophesied both God’s wrath and God’s love.
Hananiah was prophesying peace and a beneficial outcome for Jerusalem in its conflict with Babylon. It was a prophecy that would prove false. Hananiah was not a prophet of the Lord and would die an untimely death. (Vs. 16-17).
Preachers today must be careful to speak the truth as well so that they deliver the Word of the Lord. Preachers—who are the prophets of this day and age—must deliver the Word of the Lord as both God’s wrath and God’s love—that is, both Law and Gospel must be preached. God’s judgment on sin and God’s promise of life in Jesus Christ are inseparable. God’s mercy and love given in Jesus Christ has the last word (Ro. 8:37-39).
Table Talk: What does it mean to you when you can be confident that your preacher’s words are the Word of God? Can you think of people who’ve been false prophets?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given us your Word as Jesus Christ Incarnate; and as the Holy Scriptures; and as the proclamation of Law and Gospel. Hold us in your Word of truth that we might believe. Amen
Jeremiah 28:5-9
5 Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord, 6 and the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord make the words that you have prophesied come true and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all the exiles. 7 Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. 8 The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. 9 As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.