Don’t Invent The Message

The call of a true prophet has always followed a particular pattern: they have stood in the divine council, in the very presence of God, and received His words directly. This is the foundation of their authority and the source of their message. The prophet Jeremiah, speaking to a nation led astray, highlights this truth by contrasting it with those who invent their own messages. False prophets do not speak from the mouth of the Lord; instead, their visions spring from their own imaginations, desires, or a desire to please people.
The verse from Jeremiah 23:22 powerfully reveals the distinction. It speaks of those who *should* have been in God's council. Had they truly experienced that divine encounter, their message would have been undeniably God's own. This authentic message, when proclaimed, possesses the power to convict and to transform. It would have turned the people from their corrupt paths and evil actions because it carries the weight and truth of the Almighty. The absence of this transformative power in the false prophets' words was proof that they were speaking from themselves, not from God.
For us today, this ancient truth remains profoundly relevant. We are called to discern what truly comes from God and what is merely human invention, even in our own lives. When we seek to speak for God, or to live according to His will, we must ensure our message and actions are rooted in His revealed truth, not our own ideas or preferences. Like the prophets of old, we are invited to "stand in His council" through prayer and a deep engagement with His inspired Word, allowing it to shape our understanding and guide our steps. This commitment to God's truth empowers us to live authentically and to be a genuine influence for good in a world that desperately needs His transforming power.