Stand in His Council

They keep saying to those who despise me, "The Lord says: You will have peace." And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say, "No harm will come to you." But which of them has stood in the council of the Lord to see or to hear his word? Who has listened and heard his word? Jeremiah 23:17-18

Jeremiah is speaking to the false prophets of Judah. Their prophecy and message was not from the Lord. These told the king and the people what they wanted to hear. Their message was not developed out of prayer and the study of the Word.

In contrast, Jeremiah's message was a difficult message. It was not a popular message. It was not a message the people wanted to hear. But Jeremiah's message was from the Lord. It was a message that was developed out of prayer, the study of the Word, and simply listening to God.

Verse 18 is particularly convincting. As a preacher I am obligated to preach and teach the Word of God. It is not always a popular message. It is not always the message people want to hear. It is not always the message I want to preach. But it is God's message, and that is the message which I have been entrusted with.

I pray Lord that I would stand in your council and hear your Word to preach and teach what you would have me share with these people. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see. Give me a mouth to speak the truth and hands to reach out in love. Lord, may I be your servant and not the servant of itching ears. Amen.