What will we do when the end comes?

30 An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: 31 the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes? (Jeremiah 5:30-31 esv)

In the mind of Jeremiah, he could see that an appalling and horrible thing was happening to Judah. As a prophet of God, he could see what was to come upon Jerusalem. It had already happened to the 10 tribes of Israel (the Northern Kingdom).

Why did they continue to believe they were immune? Their religious leaders – prophets and priests, told the people that everything was OK. The prophets and priests were in a false alliance. The prophets told the Administration and the people that everything was great, that God was blessing their worship, that God was protecting His people. The priests ministered according to what they thought was best. They let the people slide when it came to following God’s Law. They tolerated and even condoned the worship of idols. They excused the sins of the people. They preached on the ‘tender mercies’ of a loving Jehovah. They probably preached sermons about “Becoming a Better You”; “The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking through to the Blessed Life”; “Forty Days to Prosperity & Blessing”. The priests were only concerned about their influence with the people, as well as their own wealth and prosperity. Their self-seeking motives clouded their service to God and His Law. Both prophets and priests kept in good favor with the King and the people. They continued to grow wealthy. How could this be?

MY PEOPLE LOVE TO HAVE IT SO

Jeremiah points out an amazing truth-“My people love to have it so!” The Jews were perfectly satisfied with the way things were. They could continue with their sins and idol worship without reproof or restraint. They did not want to obey God’s Law, so they allowed the prophets and priests to deliberately deceive and ruin them.

They would refuse to listen to any voice of warning, and made a laughingstock of any who would reprove them or point out their sins.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN THE END COMES?

God reigns from on High. God will have His Honor. God will only allow the mocking to go on for so long. Jeremiah asks: “What will you do when the end comes?”

We can only ignore God for so long. We can only pretend that all is OK for so long. The prophets and priests (Pastors) of America will have to answer for our service to God. Or have we only served the people and ourselves? What will we do when the end comes?