False Acquisition - Jeremiah 37-41

 Jeremiah 37:11-15 (ESV)

Jeremiah Imprisoned

Now when the Chaldean army had withdrawn from Jerusalem at the approach of Pharaoh's army, Jeremiah set out from Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin to receive his portion there among the people. When he was at the Benjamin Gate, a sentry there named Irijah the son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah, seized Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans.” And Jeremiah said, “It is a lie; I am not deserting to the Chaldeans.” But Irijah would not listen to him, and seized Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. And the officials were enraged at Jeremiah, and they beat him and imprisoned him in the house of Jonathan the secretary, for it had been made a prison.

Perhaps one of the most difficult situations in life to handle is what we see facing Jeremiah in the above passage.   He is being falsely accused.   The the security guards saw him attempting to leave Jerusalem during the siege of the Babylonians, they assumed he was deserting the city.   To be fair to the security at the Benjamin Gate of the city, Jeremiah had been prophesying for the nation to submit to the Babylonians.   Jeremiah’s “circumstances” (leaving the city during a siege) and his previous behavior (prophesying to surrender) would make Irijah to strongly suspect that this was the cause.   Of course, this not what Jeremiah was doing.  But, those who have already formed their bias don’t really have another option in their minds.   

False acquisition can be devastating.   Remember, it was false claims that crucified Jesus.   Notice what His response was to these false statements:

1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV)

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Jesus just gave himself to HIM (God) who “judges justly.”   Jesus allowed God to defend Him.    Notice what Solomon wrote about lies said about you:

Proverbs 26:2 (ESV)

Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,

a curse that is causeless does not alight.

When a bird lands on your shoulder it can make a mess, but it seldom stays on your shoulder.   It lands and it is gone.   So, a false curse “does not alight.”    All the prophets, Apostles and New Testament teachers had to face false claims.    There is no skirting the issues.  This would not be Jeremiah’s worse situation.  It was one that had no truth, however.   This is why Jeremiah defends himself.   Jesus said nothing.  Paul appealed to Caesar.   Whatever the reaction a false claim is tough to deal with.  But, if you are a believer in this world, doing God’s word, you will be falsely accused.  

Psalms 119:69-72 (ESV)

The insolent smear me with lies,

but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;

their heart is unfeeling like fat,

but I delight in your law.

It is good for me that I was afflicted,

that I might learn your statutes.

The law of your mouth is better to me

than thousands of gold and silver pieces.