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Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out libations to other gods in order to spite Me.
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The Lord is speaking in today’s verses to the prophet Jeremiah to point out the condition, the state of His people who were living and acting in absolute disobedience to His word—what was in fact truly idolatry! They were worshipping other gods and the Lord specifically makes note of their devotion to the “queen of heaven”! Speaking to them and to us today.

Other so-called prophets and religious leaders of the day were proclaiming lies to gain the favor of the people. So Jeremiah would then say to the people, your prophets (not God’s) have seen for you false and foolish visions and they have not exposed your iniquity so as to restore you from captivity, but they have seen for you false and misleading oracles. {Lam.2:14} He spoke those words pouring out his heart with a troubled spirit and through many tears {Lam.2:11} and for his faithfulness he suffered rejection and persecution at the hands of the people because of God’s words! He would become known even to this day as the ‘weeping prophet.’

The situation today in so much of the ‘church’ is quite the same, if not worse! Churches, TV and radio air waves and Internet sites are filled with preachers and teachers who are telling people that they should not be judgmental, they should not expose those wolves in sheep’s clothing. Not only should that be done, it must be done. But it must be done in love with a goal of correction, not punishment. We can and must correct and discipline error, it is left to God to punish.

Jesus spoke of the increase of the wicked, the false Christs and false prophets in the last days {Mat.24} as did the apostle Paul writing to Timothy {2Tim.3-4}, and has told us to test all things, to be on guard just as John also wrote. {1Jn.4:1} Not all are prophets, but all of us saved by the blood of the Lamb are called to share that love—love proven and proclaimed by His work on the cross! Just don’t think that everybody will love you for doing that! Thank God we are encouraged and reminded that while the wicked flee while no one pursues, the righteous are as bold as a lion. {Pr.28:1}

The Lord Himself has forewarned us about idolatry in these perilous last days and instructed us so our love will not grow cold…

“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. And at that time many will fall away and will deliver up one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:8-13)

BE FAITHFUL TO THE END