Don't Distort God's Word

Jeremiah 23:28b, 38b-40: "'Let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?' declares the LORD . . . . You used the words, 'This is the oracle of the LORD,' even though I told you that you must not claim, 'This is the oracle of the LORD.' Therefore, I will surely forget you and cast you out of my presence along with the city I gave to you and your father. I will bring upon you everlasting disgrace-everlasting shame that will not be forgotten."

In reading through chapter 23 of Jeremiah, one finds the hope of redemption of the remnant of God's people who would be rescued by the LORD and be given the blessing of eternal life. This reference, of course, is to the hope that is found exclusively in Jesus Christ, who alone is the Door through which God's grace is afforded (John 10:9).

Still, in the remainder of the chapter, the Lord warns the lying prophets and priests, who would distort the Scriptures to justify their wicked behavior. These were the religious leaders who participated in the most heinous acts in the temple in worship of Baal, the fertility god of the neighboring pagans. Though they presented themselves as surrendered to the Lord, in reality, they were people as debased as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (23:14). To encourage the people who had joined in the chicanery of their religious demonstrations, the prophets proclaimed that God would only bring peace to the land; in no way would these leaders proclaim the truth of the Scriptures, that the Lord was angered by the gross wickedness of these people who previously had been blessed by the Lord above all nations. These leaders claimed to have dreams from the LORD that all was well; yet nothing could be further from the truth.

Of course, God would not be mocked by such perjury of His Word. Whereas these religious leaders claimed to have a word of the Lord, God would now bring eternal judgment upon them for their wickedness and their false witness against Him. God specifically exclaimed, "I will surely forget you and cast you out of my presence . . . I will bring upon you everlasting disgrace." No remission of sins would be found for these leaders of rebellion against the Lord.

There is a good word for us in this passage, namely that we must be soundly committed to the veracity of God's Word. We must revere its truths and herald it truthfully and faithfully. We know that the Word of God is a guiding lamp (Psalm 119:105) that not only inspires us to obedience but convicts us of our sin leading us to repentance (2 Timothy 3: 16-17). Therefore, we must uphold the precious Word of God and not attempt to distort its presentation to satisfy any wicked behavior in our lives. The Scriptures are quite direct toward those who would manipulate God's Word . . . they will be held in contempt and be subjected to eternal damnation.

Therefore, let us surrender ourselves to the LORD and uphold His Word with faithful fidelity. We will find the blessing of God if we do so.