Wrong Message, Wrong Time

While flipping through channels the other day I came across an interview with a pastor from the Caribbean Islands. He was discussing the current economic difficulties the world economies are experiencing. This pastor reasoned that since no money has "left the earth" or "gone to heaven" that the economies should have continued on as they had previously. He stated that since no money has been lost there is no reason for a recession. I thought this alone was maddening because it was such an ignorant and adolescent understanding of economics and our current state. Nevertheless, he continued on.

The pastor would go on to say that the reason the world is going through an economic downturn is because the "promise" that the "...sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous (Proverbs 13:22) was being fulfilled. He said that the "storage" of the wealth would not go on forever and this is now a time of transfer. Again, I was maddened by the whole reasoning. I was particularly bothered by the logic of the whole thing. Embedded in his statement was that in order for God to bless His people he would have to take from others, as though His resources were limited.

As I sat and continued to listen (couldn't pull myself away from the tv) my mind immediately went to Jeremiah Chapters 27 and 28. Contained in these two chapters are a contrast between the True word of the Lord and out right lies (as the scripture calls it). Jeremiah was sent to deliver the message that various kingdoms would be conquered by the King of Babylon. In contrast there were other "prophets" giving the message that the king of Babylon would not conquer them.

As a warning and sign to the people God had Jeremiah place an Ox's yoke on his neck to provide a visual picture that the conquered kingdoms would submit to the king of Babylon. While Jeremiah was in the temple he was confronted by Hananiah, another prophet of the day. Hananiah said that Jeremiah was wrong and his message of judgement was not accurate. Hananiah painted an optimistic picture of what was to come. While making his pronouncement of "prosperity" he took the yoke off of Jeremiah's neck and smashed it. In response Jeremiah stated that he "wished" Hananiah's prophecy was accurate and even hoped it would take place. Despite his hopes, Jeremiah maintained that his words were in fact from the Lord and the burden of proof now rest on Hananiah.

God did not let Hananiah's move to mislead the people go. God proclaimed that instead of a yoke made of wood, it would now be a yoke of iron. This was to symbolize that the people would be forced into slavery. God said even the animals would be under the rule of the king of Babylon. Then the Lord instructed Jeremiah to deliver this message to Hananiah; "Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, but the people believe your lies. Therefore, the Lord says you must die."

As I sat listening to this pastor's statements I feared that people would believe his report. This is dangerous because America and our world are facing serious issues. The current state of our economy has not come because of a supernatural transfer of wealth from wicked to just. It has come because of a lack of character, honesty, integrity, and usury (the charging of outrageous interest rates that equals robbery). In addition, we are facing a number of moral issues-SIN.

Now is a time for repentance, a time for spiritual renewal, a time to seek God for his grace, mercy, wisdom, and guidance. This is not a time to continue on as though all is well and normal. Most people know that a wealth transfer is not happening. Many dedicated Christians and churches alike are suffering from the failing economies. Where is there "transfer?" Christian leaders need to face the facts and recognize that if we don't stop this "baptism" of consumerism and "paper chasing" we will be placing a yoke of iron around the necks of the people. Much like Jeremiah, it is my hope that the pastor's words of windfall prosperity to the kingdom were true. I fear like Jeremiah, that this is the wrong message at the wrong time.