By Sword and Spear?

“And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.”

– Jeremiah 28:11

Among the seven characteristics the Lord hates, “one who sows discord among brethren” is listed (Proverbs 6:16-19). It must be avoided. Yet a proud look towards those we consider beneath our standards comes to us with ease. Hedges guarding hatred in our hearts are subdued, and filth within is displayed in the hearing of our Lord (Matthew 12:34).

Jeremiah was a man of trial and tribulation. He was built up in the faith and God’s Word with a unique ministry and calling. He was threatened, imprisoned, mocked, and prophesied against. All the while, he was a true prophet sent by the Lord. If anyone had the right to retaliation, it would undoubtedly be him! Yet, amid heated conversation, we find him curiously walking away.

The prophet Jeremiah proclaimed 70 years of Babylonian captivity. The leaders did not believe it would take place. When the truth of the proclaimed siege finally began, Hananiah, in front of the priests and all the people, falsely claimed they would only be held for two years. Jeremiah’s response to this false narrative is surprising. He said, “Amen! The Lord do so; the Lord perform your words which you have prophesied…” (Jeremiah 28:6). Emboldened, Hananiah again proclaimed his false prophecy. Rather than remain and argue, Jeremiah went his way. He had revealed God’s truth. Whether the hearer believed it, at this point, was none of his concern. Results were appropriately left in God’s capable hands.

As born-again Christians, we are instructed to avoid foolish disputes that are unprofitable and useless (Titus 3:9). Avoiding dissension is a complex command to walk in, and it can be challenging to decipher the battles we are to engage. We can be sure, however, that those conflicts leading our hearts into hatred for others are those that should cause us, like Jeremiah, to go our way. Every battle belongs to the Lord!

“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s…”

– 1 Samuel 17:47