When your enemy circumvents the ways of God to deal with you treacherously, we should not be surprised or taken aback by such behavior or the schemes the devil uses (Ephesians 6:11). Even when such behavior is exhibited or done in the name of the LORD by some Christians. Religious leaders did it to Jesus, God’s perfect and righteous Son. And they did it to such honorable men like the Prophet Jeremiah. On occasions when Jeremiah spoke, “thus says the LORD,” men, leaders of God’s people said in an effort to shut the mouth of Jeremiah and to win the support of others in their respective community, “come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah….” (This can be achieved not only by one’s words and deeds but also by thinking such things in one’s own heart concerning an authorized representative of God). “Come on and let us strike at him with our tongue, and let us give no heed to any of his words” (Jeremiah 18:18). (Oh, what a dangerous act on the part of these leaders). The leaders of Judah that presided over the people of Israel committed high treason, a coup d’etat, by attempting to usurp the discipliner that God had established in its proper place as an authorized representative of His mandate. (Compare to Jeremiah 1:5; 18:18). God responded to men’s treaSonous offenses How did God respond to Jeremiah concerning these men's treasonous offenses? First, God said to Jeremiah to not give heed or any attention to these liars, these whitewash vipers. (Compare to Matthew 23:26-28). In other words, there was no need to debate with these men about the validation of Jeremiah’s appointment or position or status on God’s behalf. For God had already qualified and vetted Jeremiah in the absence of men. (Compare to Jeremiah chapter 1). Despite this, these so-called leaders had mounted themself up against Jeremiah and Jeremiah was well aware of their campaign against him. Jeremiah said concerning them. “… They have dug a pit for me….” (Jeremiah 18:20) Yet, in spite of their animalistic behavior, Jeremiah speaks on the behalf of these men to keep God from displaying His rage against them. But just like any other human, Jeremiah still wanted divine justice concerning the unrighteous acts of these men. In fact, Jeremiah demanded it from the LORD as we read Jeremiah’s words at Jeremiah chapter 18, verses 21 through 23. But in that moment, Jeremiah had forgotten that God had already answered Jeremiah’s prayer request concerning these unruly men a few chapters earlier when God spoke of this nation and its inhabitants' coming judgment. Their judgment for their continuously moving backward instead of toward what God was doing and who He was doing it through. For their continuous indulgence in sin. For their abandonment of the God of their forefathers in order to become a slave to other false gods, false religion, false concepts, false ideologies, and false doctrines. For their following false leaders and men. For their lack of repentance. (See Jeremiah 15:1-14). We have to be mindful that with God, there are always conditions or stipulations involved to fully benefit from the blessings of God and to inherit the right to represent God as an authorized representative, be it as an apostle, prophet, pastor, Bible teacher, or evangelist. There are standards one must obtain and adhere to, to be approved by God for such roles. (Compare to Luke 12:48). These roles are not given to any and everyone in the Body of Christ just because they exist. God personally appoints men and women in these roles as HE SEES FIT AND DESIRE. (Compare to 1 Corinthians 12:11, 18, 24). Therefore, concerning the behavior (and even hidden motives) these leaders had toward Jeremiah, God's appointment of Jeremiah as His prophet was still valid. God said to Jeremiah, “you will become My spokesman” (Jeremiah 15:19). Again, God confirms Jeremiah’s appointment and reminds Jeremiah who he is in Christ. Then God said this. Concerning all the treacherous leaders that had committed divine treason, “they for their part may turn to you….” (Jeremiah 15:19) God is saying here to Jeremiah that despite the evil plotting of these men. Despite their wicked tongue that speaks against Jeremiah. These leaders will still have to seek the counsel, guidance, and direction of Jeremiah to know the plans, the intent, and the heart of God. There was no way around this because Jeremiah was God’s chosen vessel. These leaders can do all the plotting in the world and tell secrets and lies concerning Jeremiah that reach all the way to the top of a mountain. But Jeremiah was and still is God’s man – His anointed. But this is the best part. As we said, God said to Jeremiah that these wicked men will have to come to Jeremiah for answers or solutions concerning what exactly God is doing. But Jeremiah will never have to turn to them, to these same men for counsel, support, or Godly direction (Jeremiah 15:19). Wooooo! My God!! Now that’s justice in that one single act alone. Let me quote what God said to Jeremiah. “… But as for you, you must not turn to them.” I mean what really do these evil leaders have to offer Jeremiah? Lies. Misdirection. Discord. And more lies. To put the nail in the coffin. God said this concerning Jeremiah. That he will be a “fortified wall of bronze” for the people. Yet, the people will fight against him but they will not prevail over him. For in every situation Jeremiah finds himself with these wicked men, God will personally come down and see about Jeremiah to rescue and deliver Him (Jeremiah 15:20-21). What a good, good Father? How does this benefit us today This blessing and divine protection from God just does not extend only to Jeremiah. This is for God’s chosen vessels, His remnant today who all are experiencing “devise plans against” them; whom all are feeling the ill efforts of the strike of evil tongues against them by other leaders. This is for all of God’s anointed vessels whose counsel, warnings, and guidance that the masses think they can simply ignore (Jeremiah 18:18). God will eventually turn His backside and not His face to the people and its leaders (Jeremiah 18:17). And when He does, like the potter at the potter’s wheel, God will deal with these treacherous leaders according to His hand. Whether that be uprooting, pulling down, or destroying whoever refuses to repent and turn from their rebellious ways and turn back to the LORD and those He has chosen as His authorized representation. (Compare to James 5:16; Matthew 5:23-24; Jeremiah 18:6-8). But for those who do repent, He will restore and build up (Jeremiah 18:9).
Repent! For the hour is near.
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