God Sees!

Jeremiah 23:23-24

"Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD, "and not a God far away?

"Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.

These verses were part of a response from God to the prophet Jeremiah who had just poured his heart out to God about the confusing messages being delivered to the people by the prophets in
Judah.

Jeremiah's message was very different from the message of the other prophets in the land. All of the other prophets were telling the people that all would go well for them and that God would give them peace. Yet, Jeremiah's words spoke of coming destruction and death to the land of Judah for their many sins. The people ignored Jeremiah's words, favoring instead the words they wanted to hear. The words that required no action or change on their part. In addition, Jeremiah endured ridicule and hardship for the message he proclaimed on God's behalf.

I think Jeremiah was asking God for an explanation. Why do you have me say one thing and them another? How productive is that?

The text goes on to explain to us that Jeremiah was the only one speaking the 'words of the Lord'. The other prophets were speaking of visions created in their own heads and giving out messages that were falsely being passed off as coming from God. When, in fact, they had never sought the Lord's counsel at all. If they had sought the counsel of the Lord their messages would have been the same as Jeremiah's.

The false prophets were giving the people false hope and preventing them from coming to repentance and change in their life. Jeremiah tried to inform God of the conflicting messages, and the destruction they would bring on the people as a result.

God, however, sets Jeremiah straight. He already knew exactly what was going on and what the consequences would be. He didn't need Jeremiah to fill Him in. The verses above illustrate God's reassurance of Jeremiah that He is a God that sees everything. He is a God that is present everywhere and in every situation. He is a God that will bring justice to all the wrongs of the world, but in His perfect timing.

Sometimes, I get caught up in the false teachings of the world, and feel I need to inform God of what is being taught. Or, I need to ask Him why He is allowing lies to be taught under the guise of Christianity. Sometimes, I think if God only knew what was going on, He'd be so mad or disappointed in us. But in reality, He already knows what is going on. He doesn't need me or anyone else to inform Him.

We can find comfort in the fact that God is aware of false prophets, false teaching, and injustices happening in the world. We don't always understand the plan but we can rest assured there is one. We can trust that God is the ultimate judge and will bring all to justice. He is in control!