"10 Because, in truth, because they have misled my people, saying, "Peace," when there is no peace; and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets smear whitewash on it... 16 the prophets of Israel who prophesied concerning Jerusalem and saw visions of peace for it, when there was no peace, says the Lord God."
It's not a good day for prophets in the text today... well, not a good day for people who fancy themselves prophets. What happens when the Word of the LORD is not a comforting word, a Word of peace, a Word that is easy to share? The tension in the texts for this week is palpable.
What was going on in Israel at this time? As the kings arose within their society, God rose prophets as well. The life of a prophet was not one of luxury and respect; in fact, it was more likely the opposite. Preaching peace for Jerusalem was in the best interest of the prophets: it made them a little more popular, a little more respected, and a little less likely to have insults hurled at them as they walked by. It was a great way to gain popularity with the general public (and the king, usually), potentially leading even to financial gain, but these false prophets did not slide under the radar. Instead, now, there is a prophet prophesying against the prophets.
The life of faith can be a lonely one. The life of faith in which there are not easy answers, in which the "middle space" between the "here" and "not yet" of grace and mercy seem longer than the glimmers of hope we have to encourage us along the way. It is tempting to give in, to say "peace" even as we engage the wars within ourselves, with our families, with our neighbors, with God. So, even at war within ourselves, we tell others we are "fine" when they ask how we are doing because it's easier to say peace than it is to be vulnerable.
Departing from the appointed texts for today, I think this text points us to 2 Corinthians 12:9: "“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." Now, this text is not meant to justify a demand for vulnerability: it is an invitation. It is an invitation to be a little more real, a little more honest, and a little more confident that, even in our places of weakness, the power of Christ dwells within us, strengthening us not that we might be strong, but that we may have the courage to admit that we do not have any easy answers for the struggles that come.
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