Have you ever experienced a divine warning? Divine warnings can be subtle or a time when you know that had to come from the Lord. I remember a stern warning about the character of someone who came to me for counseling. This warning resulted in me transferring this person to a more experienced counselor. Other times, we receive more typical alerts, such as telling a child not to touch a hot stove. As adults, we also receive warnings such as “bridge out,” which points out potential danger if not obeyed. You may hear a weather siren telling you to take cover because a dangerous storm is approaching.
As you think of these warnings and others, they all have the same purpose. They warn you of potential danger so that you can seek protection. The Lord also warns us of trouble through the work of the Holy Spirit and His Word. He does this because He is the Good Shepherd and wants the best for us.
Jeremiah Gave the Exiles Divine Warnings
The Lord gave divine warnings to the people in exile through the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 29:8 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams, 9 because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord. [1]
Satan wanted to destroy God’s people in exile by using false prophets and fortune tellers. These people would say what they wanted to hear, but their message would ruin them. John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” [2] Our enemy wants to kill, steal, and destroy, while Jesus wants to give us life abundantly. Our enemy will use false prophets, fortune tellers, and many other things to lead people astray to destroy them. Divine discernment is needed because the false prophet’s message may sound reasonable.
God Gives Us Warnings to Light Our Path
Today, the enemy is no different because He wants to kill, steal, and destroy, just like he was trying to do to the exiles in Babylon. The good news is our loving God still sends us warnings like He did when the exiles were in Babylon.
What should I do if God is warning me? Take it seriously. Sometimes, we don’t always understand the urgency of the situation. He has your best interest at heart. God does not warn us to play games. Count yourself as blessed. Keeping us out of danger is a real blessing. Take time to thank God for His mercy.
To hear more about divine warnings, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/light-in-exile
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
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