All Saints
"The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?" says the LORD. Jeremiah 23:28
In the days of the southern kingdom of Judah, there seemed to be a lot of “chaff” around and hardly any “wheat.” There were many false prophets who went around Judah telling many dreams, meaning false visions meant to preach lies. These prophets were bringing harm upon the people’s souls, and the people wanted it! How devastating!
Jeremiah, the true messenger of God, was sent by God to preach the truth, to give wheat to the people. He was sent to show them their sin and call them to repentance. He was sent to show them their sin and their Savior: The LORD. He was sent to show them the truth, and He did so with the help of God. Yet, despite his efforts, the people went towards the false rather than the true.
In his ministry of fighting the false teachings of the false prophets, Jeremiah fell into deep bouts of depression. He lived a very difficult life, and it is believed that, moreover, he died a martyr’s death. Many historians believed that he was stoned to death. So then, what’s the takeaway? Is the truth worth it? Most certainly! Jesus tells us, “Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelations 2:10b)
The only way for that to happen is to have the truth—the truth which tells us that Jesus took away our sin and gave us eternal life. Jeremiah had this, and, although he was outnumbered, he was right, nonetheless. He had God’s Word, and he preached it faithfully. He, by the grace of God, remained in the light unto death and was a light to many others in darkness. So it is with all others who lean on God and His pure Word.
Abiding, steadfast, firm, and sure
The teachings of the Word endure.
Blest he who trusts this steadfast Word;
His anchor holds in Christ, the Lord.
The Lutheran Hymnal 290:4