Law, Counsel & Word

Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, to the counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the togue and let us not give heed to any of his words. Jeremiah 18:18

This week’s scripture comes out of the middle of the heated history of the prophet Jeremiah. We can learn much from Jeremiah, and the words of the Lord from him, but perhaps most profoundly he teaches us the principle of standing up for what is true and right no matter what the consequences we might face are. He teaches us that there are times when God asks us to speak His words over those who not only, will not receive them, but will cruelly reject us because of them.

You might be wondering why God would ask us to speak His words over those whom will not listen, after all we see Him asking individuals in the bible time and time again to do this, including Jesus; but why? The answer lies in the writings of both Issiah and Ezekiel, but let us reference Ezekiel for our study this week. In Ezekiel 33:1-9 we see a description of the “watchmen” on the wall, and what the duty of the watchmen is. Furthermore, we are told in Ezekiel 33:6-9 the responsibility of iniquity rests on the watchmen if he does not speak against evil, but once he speaks against it to the doer of the evil, the watchmen is freed from the responsibility of his silence, and the guilt is left on the hands of the doer. In other words, the guilt lies on the individual who does not speak up for what is right, until they speak, and then the guilt lies upon the one committing the offence.

We then can see the explanation for why God has His people do this, in chapter 18 of Jeremiah as well as the proceeding versus of Ezekiel. God does this because he has “no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:11),” and in warning the people He offers endless mercy in repentance, and promises to forget all wrongdoings at the turning away from evil and back towards God.

“For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6

Returning to our scripture in Jeremiah, he explains his motive is exactly the same as what Ezekiel describes, “I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to take away thy wrath from them.” (Jeremiah 18:20) However, we can see the prophet is met with a desperate attempt to silence him, rather than appreciation for righteousness.

I want to highlight three things from our scripture for the week: law shall not perish from the priest; (nor) counsel from the wise; (nor) word from the prophet. This list of “charges” aimed at Jeremiah show us that the people he was dealing with not only knew he was God’s watchmen, but that they wanted “law”, “counsel”, and the “word” of God removed and silenced from their midst. May we always be careful that we are not working to silence God’s voice over situations in our own lives.

We can also see this list as a reminder to us that we should be marked by His law, counsel, and word. We are told by the prophets and reminded by Paul that the law is written on our hearts through Christ Jesus. (Isaiah 51:7, Isaiah 59:21, Jeremiah:31:33, Hebrews 8:10, Romans 2:14-15) What law? The core foundation of both the Old Covenant and the New, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34) Certainly, love is marked by truth, but it is also gentle and humble. Reference 1st Corinthians 13:4-7 for a biblical description of love.

Next, we are brought to counsel. We shall be marked by the counsel of God in out lives. This is why relationship is the emphasis of the faith. We should have an active relationship, and ongoing conversation with Him. He is our counselor in all things, and He will guide us in our choices, direction and reactions if we seek Him. (Isaiah 9:6,11:2, 25:1; Proverbs 3:5-6,19:20-21; Psalm 32:8, 73:24)

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His counsel is always perfect, personal, and true!

Finally, word of the Lord. While counsel above is focused on personal relationship with God, and His words in your life directing you in relationships, paths, and actions; this “word” is outward focused. It is the same “word” Jeremiah, as well as the other prophets, were compelled by. The words God asks us to speak into the lives of those we love, those closest to us, our church, or even acquaintances and strangers.

Our words have great power as we are connected to Him, and if He is our God, then the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and we are asked to speak through Him and for Him. We serve and active God in action. Remember that God spoke the world into existence! God’s word has the power of creation and life. We are also blessed with the privilege of speaking life into those around us. If we do this in the law of love, and in right relationship and counsel of God, then we are properly functioning as a member of His Church. There may be times we are met with reactions like Jeremiah encountered (and suffered his entire ministry), but we can also be blessed in knowing that we are provided the privilege of speaking life into the world around us, with the hopes of encouraging and lifting up others.