Wrong Frequency
For someone who was supposed to be in tune with God, it seems he was locked in to the wrong frequency.
Jeremiah 20:1-18
Reference: v.2 He [the chief officer in the temple of the Lord] had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the Lord’s temple. (NIV Bible)
Explore: How can some people get it so completely wrong? I believe that often wrongful actions begin with a hint of good intention but then, when mixed with pride and selfishness, they become ugly and hurtful. Many people followed Hitler believing he was on the right track but the torment that still echoes from that part of history makes your hair stand on end. Even our leaders and experts get it wrong sometimes. The chief officer in the temple of the Lord, a few thousand years ago, was in the position to give people guidance from God. And yet when he heard Jeremiah speaking God’s words of warning to the people he had him beaten and put in stocks. For someone who was supposed to be in tune with God, it seems he was locked in to the wrong frequency.
Application: I recently heard John Smith, blues preacher, talking about hearing from God. It’s important, if we believe we have received a word from God, that we check its validity. If it lines up with the Bible, the actions of Christ and it will work towards building God’s kingdom then it seems we’re hearing correctly. But if we hear words of hate and destruction towards others then we may need to check our source. Just because we have a grand title before our name does not mean that we have got it all worked out. I have heard more profound theological wisdom from an abused child than I have from some international speakers. It’s important that we are all discerning as to what our actions should be in this world. We are all called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. God does give us guidance but many other people will try to sway us. May we hold strong to the life of Christ and seek wisdom from His footsteps.
Prayer: Lord, it’s sometimes hard to know which direction to turn and who to follow. As we continue to search the scriptures may they speak to us so that we can live according to Your glory. Amen.
Who do you know that had good intentions but was off the mark? What can you do to stay true to God’s calling?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.