Jeremiah 28  A prophet named Hananiah came to Jerusalem and claimed to hear from the Lord. He prophesied that with the next 2 years Nebuchadnezzar would be removed from power and everything and everybody would be returned to Jerusalem.  Just what everyone wanted to hear!  Even Jeremiah said "Amen"!  But... 

He said, "The prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then that prophet will be known as one whom the Lord has truly sent." 

Unfortunately for Hananiah.. his prophesies were false.  The Lord said to him, "you have broken the yokes of wood, but you have made instead of them yokes of iron."  He made things worse.. he "counseled rebellion against the Lord."  Because of this, Hananiah would die.. and 2 months later, he was gone. 

False hope.. false teaching.. false words that lead people away from the Truth will result in severe judgement.  It  begins with those who have been given the responsibility of leading God's people. Peter wrote, "For it is time for judgement to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?"( 1 Peter 4:17-18)

Peter  also wrote this.. "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bring swift destruction upon themselves." He reminds his readers.. and us.. to be diligent to stay in the Word.. to listen carefully and obey His Truth and not be swept away by those who indulge the flesh.. despise authority.. are daring and self-willed. ( 2 Peter 2) 

Father in heaven, lead us in Your Truth and speak clearly to our hearts that we might walk in obedience and not rebellion.. that we might do what is right in Your sight and not follow lies and false teachings.  Our world is full of rebellion and deceit.. but we have a Savior who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and we belong to Him.  Guard our thoughts, Lord!  Fill us with Your Spirit who will lead us in Your ways.. who convicts of  "sin and righteousness, and judgement".  We desire to live according to Your Word in faith, to glorify You in all we do and say, and to be Your light in the midst of a darkened world.  May Your church rise Lord Jesus, proclaiming the Truth of the Gospel to a world facing yokes of wood and iron, and the judgement to come..  which is certain.  And Father, according to Your great mercy.. please set the prisoners free.  Lord God, we pray this in the Name of the Holy One, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.