Jeremiah 23:28-29 The prophet that has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that has my word, let him speak my word faithfully… Divine revelation does not degrade or supersede human reason. It assumes reason on our part; sets before us what is above, though not contrary to reason; aids reason as the telescope aids the eye, and also shows spurious, antichristian counterfeits — the chaff as distinguished from the wheat. Let the dream go for what it is worth. Take the wheat of God's Word instead. The text speaks half in irony, half in warning. 1. As admonitory to Christian people. Human speculations present themselves at the bar of my taste or judgment. In self-complacency I pass judgment upon them, but when God's Word is heard, it breathes authority, and my place is in the dust. Keep, then, the chaff of man free from the wheat of God. 2. As counsel to us who are teachers. (1) Let parents inculcate the thought of God. Endued with His Spirit, their children may be left in confidence, for the promise is to us and our children. (2) Teachers in the Sunday School are to give, not guesses, but Gospel. (3) The clergy need this counsel. They cannot, ought not to stay the current of free thought. Yet, in the wide activity of intellectual conflict, in the bewildering notions and "refractory egotism" of the age, we must discriminate. Stability is found in loyalty to God s truth. Applying these thoughts — 1. We are now better able to estimate what reputation really is. We are not to be indifferent to men's estimate of us. It is a useful stimulus, but it needs to be regulated. It is "a small matter to be judged" by them. What is God's estimate? 2. What is success? Many look at pecuniary results. They play fast and loose with conscience. Some affect a supercilious devotion and look down on others above whom they seem to rise. What is God's estimate? 3. Finally, we learn to understand the value of the life we are living as compared with that which is eternal. There is no antagonism in the interests of each. Even the chaff envelops and protects the wheat. It has its place and work, though perishable. (John Hall, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. |
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