false confidence
"You have raised false confidence in this people." —Jeremiah 28:15
History is filled with examples of false confidence resulting in disaster. For example, George Washington led his troops in crossing the Delaware River on Christmas to defeat the drunken Hessian troops during the Revolutionary War. Once the battle had begun, the Hessian troops surely wished they had spent their Christmas doing less drinking and celebrating and more time being vigilant and prepared (see Lk 21:34).
"The time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but, following their own desires, will surround themselves with teachers who tickle their ears. They will stop listening to the truth and will wander off to fables" (2 Tm 4:3-4). "Just when people are saying, 'Peace and security,' ruin will fall on them with the suddenness of pains overtaking a woman in labor, and there will be no escape" (1 Thes 5:3).
God has always sent prophets to afflict the comfortable by speaking challenging words to those who place their confidence anywhere but in Him. Is the Lord calling you to go and speak in this way? He wants you to have much more confidence in Him than your hearers have in their false beliefs (see 2 Cor 5:6). The Lord says: "Have no fear before them...But speak My words to them, whether they heed or resist" (Jer 1:8; Ez 2:7).
Prayer: Lord, "let those turn to me who fear You and acknowledge Your decrees" (Ps 119:79). Let me tell them Your truth.
Promise: "Jesus hastened to reassure them: 'Get hold of yourselves! It is I. Do not be afraid!' " —Mt 14:27
Praise: St. John Vianney convicted those comfortable in their sins and reconciled them to God.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 25, 2008
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