Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, July 2, 2025
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Will there every be peace? Jeremiah seems to think otherwise. He implies that a prophet who prophesies peace is by default a false prophet. That’s kind of depressing. But on the other hand, he’s kind of a realist in this. Not that there can never be peace, but anyone who is saying that our current systems and oppressive legislation will lead to increased peace and security for our country is absolutely a false prophet. Until everyone has their basic needs met and can live free of aggression, oppression; until everyone has equal access to education, healthcare, and safe and healthy communities, there absolutely cannot be peace. What the current administration and its adherents are trying to tell us is that if we can get rid of anyone who doesn’t fit into a specific box, then we’ll have peace, and that their policies will lead to this.
Don’t. Believe. Them.
God is not pro-war. God is not pro-conflict. BUT God is pro human being—every single human being (and all of creation) without exception. In that case, we are called into action which will necessarily be uncomfortable, and even confrontational. There cannot be peace unless we are willing to take action against oppressive systems.
What messages am I hearing about how we can achieve peace? How do I discern the true prophets from the false?
