Jesus emphasized the responsibility that leaders bear when He said, “From the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded” (Luke 12:48).
Professional prophets, exiled to Babylon along with Ezekiel and other leaders in 597 BC, were entrusted with delivering God’s Word. Unfortunately, instead of remaining faithful to God, they chose to cater to the king.
This was God’s message to the professional prophets.
Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have uttered falsehood and envisioned lies, I am against you, says the Lord God.
My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations; they shall not be in the council of my people nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel, and you shall know that I am the Lord God.
Because, in truth, because they have misled my people, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when the people build a flimsy wall, these prophets smear whitewash on it (Ezekiel 13.8-10).
Their false prophecies of peace misled the people. When we fail to provide the full truth of God’s will, we prevent others from having the opportunity to repent.
In contrast, when we faithfully speak God’s Word, people can align their lives with His will for them.
In my experience speaking to congregations over the years, I’ve noticed that people eagerly embrace positive messages that make them feel good. However, when I address topics like judgment and what God requires of us, I see them tune out before my eyes.
Regardless of whether people like or dislike what we say, our responsibility is to faithfully represent God.
As listeners, we should ask God, “Is this Your word for me today?” If it is, we must respond with obedience whether it makes us feel good or not.
Whitewashed Walls
A common joke between carpenters and painters is that painters claim they cover up all the carpenters’ mistakes. Whether or not that’s true, the prophets were doing something similar by covering up the failures of the leaders.
They “whitewashed” a wall that could never withstand a strong rainstorm.
Say to those who smear whitewash on it that it shall fall. There will be a deluge of rain, great hailstones will fall, and a stormy wind will break out.
When the wall falls, will it not be said to you, “Where is the whitewash you smeared on it?”
The prophets of Israel who prophesied concerning Jerusalem and saw visions of peace for it when there was no peace, says the Lord God.”(Ezekiel 13.11-12 and 16).
The social media accounts I use are designed to track my interests and do their best to show me content I want to see or read on my phone.
The same is true for television news stations—one leans conservative, one is moderate, and another is very liberal. Each caters to its audience, offering content they believe will appeal to their viewers.
While this may be a good business model for companies, it is not the right approach for those seeking to follow God’s will.
It is wrong for God’s prophets to ask, “What does my audience want to hear, and how can I deliver that?” This is exactly what the prophets in Ezekiel’s day were doing, and it is something we must avoid today.
It is crucial to be discerning when listening to those who claim to speak for God. Their words should be tested not just against a single Bible verse they may reference, but in light of the entire message of God throughout Scripture.
Sadly, in ministry—as in politics and business—the principle of “follow the money” often applies. Is it possible that someone claiming to speak for God is becoming wealthy because of their message?
Could they, like the social media platforms I mentioned earlier, be seeking a following primarily to increase their profits?
You can easily search the internet to find the wealthiest ministers, and someone you or I have listened to may be among them. While wealth alone doesn’t necessarily indicate wrongdoing, it should prompt us to be more diligent in comparing their teachings against God’s Word.
As a minister, I haven’t made much money serving God. However, I am guilty of trying to please the public. As I reflect on what I’ve written above, I must admit that it’s easier to please people than to please God.
But ultimately, our calling is to please God above all.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 