“‘Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth. When the wall collapses, will people not ask you, “Where is the whitewash you covered it with?”
Ezekiel 13:10-12 NIV
False prophets were a problem in Ezekiel’s day. The nation had been conquered, and some people were exiled. While they retained some autonomy as a vassal nation, God warned the nation through Jeremiah and Ezekiel that utter destruction would come if they did not repent. But the false prophets proclaimed that the Lord would defeat Babylon, bring all the people back, and all would be good.
And God, through Ezekiel, accused them of building a flimsy wall and covering it with whitewash. Their message sounded good, but it had no substance. And the storms that were coming would destroy it. While those who put their trust in that flimsy whitewashed wall, the false prophecy, would face disaster.
While the situation Ezekiel’s listeners were in is different than most of us face today. His message still has relevance. Many today proclaim what they claim is a message from God. It looks good on the surface. And it has an appeal to our human natures. But their teaching is just a flimsy whitewash-covered wall that will offer no security to those deceived by it.
Don’t be taken in by these false prophets with their whitewashed walls. Be sure that your faith and life are built on the solid foundation of Jesus (1 Cor. 3:11) and what he taught (Matt. 7:24-25). A faith and life that will endure the tests and trials that always come.
