The prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, and you made this people trust in a lie.” Jeremiah 28:15

In the year 597 BCE, Jerusalem experienced a devastating defeat by Babylon. Royalty, government leaders, artisans who worked in brass, silver and, wood along with soldiers, priests and prophets, were exiled to Babylon. People traumatized by being taken into captivity yearned for  home.

We look for hope on dark days. The prophet Hananiah, seeing an opportunity to raise his status,  promised an end to exile within two years.

But that was neither reality, or God’s word, or the word of anyone studying the political and military situation of the time.   Jeremiah called Hananiah a false prophet, for claiming a word from God, promising what was not true.

False prophets arise in every era. Today YouTube influencers, podcasters, propagandists, along with political and religious charlatans make bold promises on behalf of God, while distorting the truths of scripture. Promising us wealth, and ease, if we just follow them. They defame the innocent, lay burdens on the poor, and give obeisance to the powerful.

False prophets are often charismatic leaders, skilled in manipulating, using half truths, instead of  whole truths. Knowing the truth, they deceive, exploiting the vulnerable, for wealth and power, while pretending to serve God.

Like Hananiah, the quest for power. wealth and influence, overrides their ethics and honesty, telling us what we want to hear, instead of the hard truths we need to hear.

Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-16a

False prophets leave behind broken lives, crushed spirits and the debris of messes they’ve created.

To Counteract  Hananiah’s false words, Jeremiah sent a letter to the people exiled in Babylon. He tells them not to expect a quick return, but to make the best of the situation they are in.

“Build houses,” he says, “and settle down; cultivate gardens and eat what they produce. Get married and have children; then help your sons find wives and your daughters find husbands in order that they too may have children. Increase in number there so that you don’t dwindle away. Promote the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because your future depends on its welfare. Jeremiah 29:5-7

While, there would be no quick return,  Jeremiah encouraged those in exile to know God was with them in that distant place. God was not abandoning them, for even in that painful time, God was preparing a future of blessing, “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope Jeremiah 29:11

So it is in our painful times, God never abandons, is always present, leading us into an unseen future with hope.