Currently there are 130 wars or military actions occurring around the world today. Thousands and thousands of people have lost their lives as a result. The media broadcasts efforts by national leaders to bring peace to the more prominent skirmishes. So far, that peace has not appeared. Even the terrorist attacks against Christians in Nigeria has not been resolved. Like in our text, people are declaring peace when there really is no peace!
When nations have attempted to bring peace on the world and failed, they really are ushering in discord and the lack of peace. In particular at the time of Jeremiah (and in our time) is an example of the people of Jerusalem who, by their backsliding, are eliminating peace. Like them, our world is in turmoil because there is no repentance and wickedness progresses.
If honesty were to prevail, sinners would avoid declaring themselves wise, obedient to the Lord when, in fact, they are not. Authorities who cite the Word of God find their efforts to be in vain. The cause and result is quite simple. They have rejected what wisdom of the Lord is contained in God’s Word. Verse 10 shares with us the miserable spiritual condition in which most of the world lives because the prophet and the priest are not honest. Too many spiritual leaders seek prominence and wealth instead of souls. Like other false influences in the world, they may say they can heal our situation. They say, “Peace, peace; when there is no peace.”
Jesus told us to beware of false prophets. He warned us of false christs. The person who truly wants to serve God must carefully step over the dung in the field of spiritual distractions and falsehood. The appearance of man’s efforts offer no nourishment or health because of the trouble evil has brought upon us. God challenges us with a bewildering question. He asked, “Why do we provoke him? Why do we prefer idols and vanity while he is immediately available?”
Verse 20 is a somber thought that says, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” How similar this is what Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great… Pray… Therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers.” (Luke 10:2) How basic it is, how full of common sense, to serve the Lord. Only the wise will have a handle on peace and from where peace does come. Chapter 8’s probing question is so appropriate for us today by asking, “why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?”
If the way of peace is through the wisdom of mankind, then why are there 130 wars and skirmishes at this very moment occurring? If mankind is so influential, directional, then why has he not taken us to peace? Let us admit that what we have been doing as a world population has failed because the only way for us to have peace is to have peace with God first separately in our lives, then as a nation, then as a world.
Christian Writer 