QT 13 Jul 11, God's punishment is greater for his shepherds

Jer 23:14-15 (NIV) And among the prophets of Jerusalem

I have seen something horrible:

They commit adultery and live a lie.

They strengthen the hands of evildoers,

so that no one turns from his wickedness.

They are all like Sodom to me;

the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah."

15 Therefore, this is what the Lord Almighty says concerning the prophets:

"I will make them eat bitter food

and drink poisoned water,

because from the prophets of Jerusalem

ungodliness has spread throughout the land."

NOTE:  God's word has many warnings for the teachers, prophets, and shepherds of his people.  They are held under a stricter judgment than others.  Here, God's anger is directed against the prophets, for they "live a lie."  If we were honest, we would admit that we all struggle at one time or another with living a lie.  We do the very things we teach that others should not do.  The key test, is whether we are willing to repent of our sins or not.  Or do we try to ignore our sin, or even worse to justify our sin.  The man seeking God will respond to God as David, "against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge (Ps 51:4)." 

Father, may I never harden my heart to my sin.  May I never hide from you.  Always have mercy on me, for I know I am a sinner.  Forgive me and restore me when I fail.  Thank you for your mercy and kindness.