Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions (Isaiah 30:10, ESV)

There was a very strange period in Israel’s history, characterized by a heightened activity of false prophets. Israel lived  in rebellion and sin, and the LORD was bringing judgment against them. He sent prophets to warn the people of their sins so that they can repent, change their ways, and not come under the fierce judgment of God. However, the people told these prophets “ do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions.”

We are also living in the strangest of days in Church history. What happened to Israel is happening in the Church and escalating in proportions. People do not want to get the Word of God, but want prophets and preachers to tell them what they want to hear. Paul described this state so vividly:

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3, ESV)

The LORD calls it “itching ears”, describing our tendency to pick and choose what we want that suits our motives. This is a frightful tendency that is growing in the house of God. Believers are no longer interested in the pure, unadulterated word of God. They want preachers and prophets to speak to them “smooth things”, that is,  tell them about the breakthrough they are looking for or never  talk about their sin or obedience to God or maybe  tell them God accepts them even in their sin so repentance is not necessary, etc.  etc.  I will guarantee you that any prophet or preacher who speaks “smooth things” to you is digging your spiritual grave. Take all of God’s Word; some of it  will excite you and others will pierce you like a sword. If you want a healthy relationship with God, take all of it.

MEDITATE

Is it wrong to preach that God wants to bless His people? Certainly not! What is the difference between “itching ears” or speaking “smooth things” and preaching true biblical prosperity or breakthrough?

APPLY THE WORD

The truth in this devotional pierces and bites. It is not one of the “smooth things” that Christians with “itching ears” want to hear. It is a warning from your Father about the days we are living in. Be careful. Whoever deceives you by diluting God’s Word to make you feel better is digging your grave. Run! Only those who love the unadulterated Word of God will say amen to a biting truth such as this. Take this truth to heart, share it to every single believer you can.

PRAY

Ask the Spirit to give you a heart that does not pick and choose what you  do  but  is always surrendered to all of His Word. 

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