Living in the Spirit

August 9, 2022

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 23:23-29

Am I a God nearby, says the Lord, and not a God far off? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord. I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? They plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the Lord. Is not my word like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

As in the times represented in the Bible, we today must deal with false prophets. How do we discern a true prophet from a false prophet? Do the prophets’ words meet the test of loving God and loving all of God’s children? We are called to love not to judge. I appreciate Christ taking on this task and freeing all of us to love people for who they are and who they are becoming.

For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. –John 5:26-29

First, I note, that the things I believe separate me from God may not be the same as those that separate others from God. Second, when I observe people getting caught up in behaviors or ideas that I perceive as being harmful to them or others, my merely judging them and perhaps ostracizing them is not helpful and may be harmful in and of itself. By loving them and walking with them I may be able to assist them in working out their situation or steer them toward others who can aid them without being judgmental. Third, my life experiences are not broad enough for me to fully understand anyone else’s deepest needs. God does know each of God’s children completely and I must depend on God to guide my relationships with others if I might be a tool to help them.

Prayer: Lord, make each of us blessings to others we meet along life’s ways. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.