THE LIARS SILENCED

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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In this study of the message of the Prophet Micah we hear about how the Lord will shut the mouths of those who knowingly speak falsehoods in the name of the Lord. In this part of God’s message to his wayward people, we hear about the difference between the false prophet who speaks lies to fill his pockets and the true messenger of God who is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. 

5 This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead my people astray, they proclaim ‘peace’ if they have something to eat, but prepare to wage war against anyone who refuses to feed them.

6 Therefore night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them.  7 The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. They will all cover their faces because there is no answer from God. ”

8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin. 

9 Hear this, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right; 10 who build Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness. 11 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the LORD’S support and say, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us.” 

12 Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.

(Micah 3:5-12 NIV11)

Feed Them

The false prophet is one who says what his audience wants to hear, unconcerned about the truth. They provide their services for all who are ready and willing to line their pockets, buy their books, watch their shows, follow them on social media. 

So long as these liars are fed with our attention and interest, they will persist. If they are not getting what they want, they will become ever more dramatic, hoping to capture the weak with their fine-sounding messages.

Jesus

This was not just a problem during Micah’s day. Jesus Christ spoke of those whom he called wolves in sheep’s clothing. Listen to what Jesus had to say:

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them.

(Matthew 7:15-16a NIV11)

The false prophet (liar) can be found all over the world and in many forms. Some of these wolves are very compelling in what they have to say and in the way that they say it. 

But Jesus challenged us to look beyond the surface. We are to look into the lives of those who stand up and proclaim the Word of the Lord. Do we see fruit of righteousness in them or does it seem that they are more interested in their own wealth and fame? 

Power

In verse eight we heard about the opposite of the liar, “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” 

Micah challenged his audience to see the difference between those who speak in the name of the Lord and those through whom the Lord speaks. There is a massive difference between a person who opens their mouth for a living and the person who allows the Lord to use them for his own will and purpose. 

As Jesus Christ would say, you will know them by the fruit of their lives. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I want to serve you, not for my own benefit and fame, but yours. I desire to be one like Micah, filled with your Spirit, working in your power, seeking to bring you glory and honor in all I say and do. Fill me and use me Lord!

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

Copyright © 2024 Ryan Laden – All Rights Reserved.