Starting with Jeremiah: Proclamation (Proper A8)

Jeremiah faces the prophesy of Hananiah, a prophesy that runs counter to what God has told him. Who is the true prophet? Jeremiah points out that it is unusual to prophesy peace. The true prophet is the one whose words come true.

The psalm sings praises to Yahweh for giving the people strength and protection through the king. The blessed people are those who declare the righteousness of the Lord, and glory in His strength. Their praise is tied to their true king who belongs to God.

Isn't Hananiah one of those people? He is proclaiming that God will prevail and the Davidic king, Jehoiachin will be returned to the throne along with the sacred objects. Jehoiachin didn't belong to God; his three-month reign was uneventful. "He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father had done." God dealt with the land. The proclamation of Jeremiah is the true one.

The psalmist proclaims peace and strength for the land. Could his proclamation be true? Have we ever seen shalom in a geopolitical setting?

The big question: Is Jesus a true prophet? Is he the king the psalmist extols?

He proclaimed the kingdom of God, peace in the cup of cold water and the warm welcome. We are to proclaim it and make it a reality in our world through our deeds. Do we? Do we make him out to be a liar? Or has peace come?