Today, a friend wrote, “Lamentations 2:14 is a sobering verse.” Curiously, I checked it out — and oh yes, it’s sobering.
> “Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes, but have seen for you oracles that are false and misleading.” — Lam. 2:14 (ESV)
I call these people the “prophetic misleaders.”
Characteristics of Prophetic Misleaders”
According to Lamentations 2:14, here are the hallmarks of prophetic misleaders:
1. They see what isn’t there: They see false visions, like spiritual mirages.
2. They avoid hard truths. No mention of sin, just sweet talk and hollow declarations.
3. They block restoration by skipping or sabotaging revival.
4. They peddle deception. Their “oracles” are more fiction than faith.
5. They are angry when anyone shares about the 4 points above. Wait and see!
But Why Do They Do This?
I will share 5 Biblical reasons, in my view:
1. Fear of rejection: Like King Saul, they’d rather please people than God (1 Samuel 15:24).
2. Greed for gain: Balaam’s donkey had more discernment than Balaam chasing a bribe (Numbers 22:21–35).
3. Spiritual blindness: Whereas they believe others have no Spirit, Jesus called them “blind guides” themselves (Matt. 23:16).
4. Popularity addiction: They tickle ears instead of piercing hearts (2 Tim. 4:3).
5. Compromise with culture: I hope you remember the other prophets who said “Peace” when there was none (Jer. 6:14).
How Can Believers Stay Safe?
Allow me propose 5 Biblical Actions:
1. Test every spirit: Don’t swallow every “thus saith the Lord” (1 John 4:1).
2. Know the Word: Bereans checked Paul’s sermons against scripture (Acts 17:11). There’s no one whose sermon is above scrutiny.
3. Pray for discernment: Ask for wisdom like Solomon (James 1:5). Without it, we shall major in the minors and minor in the majors.
4. Submit to godly oversight: Be under leaders that teach the truth (Heb. 13:17).
5. Flee spiritual flattery: If it’s always sweet, it’s probably not meat (Prov. 27:6).
To the Misleaders: A Three-Fold Message.
> Warning: God will hold you accountable for misleading His flock (Ezekiel 13:8–9).
> Invitation: Repent and return to Truth. He still calls you’m “My servant” (Isaiah 44:21–22).
> Encouragement: If you turn, He will restore your voice and your platform (Jer. 15:19).
CONCLUSION:
Preaching with exciting but empty words may actually fill auditoriums, but it starves souls. That’s why we should not be seduced by smooth words that dodge sin and skip repentance. We won’t focus on sin but it shouldn’t go unaddressed! The gospel is not a motivational speech; it’s a rescue mission.
So, dear believer, don’t just shout “Amen.” Rather, have rhe boldness to ask, “Is it true?”
And dear preacher, don’t just aim for applause; instead, aim for being in the will of the Father, as you “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
Because in the end, it’s not about how loud we preach, but how clear we point to Christ.
God bless you.
Live. Love. Lead.
By Samuel A. Bakutana
CEO Inspired Leaders International, and Provincial Fathers’ Union President.
