“As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee. But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth …” (Jeremiah 44:16,17)
People run from a reality they don’t want to face. If God’s Word has something to say that doesn’t sit well with them, they shut their eyes and close their ears. If God’s messengers come to them with a word that would correct their way, they become antagonistic.
Isaiah was sent to just such a people. Here is his description of them:
“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” (Isaiah 30:9-11)
Ultimately, when people don’t want to hear what the law of God says, they want God to “cease” from before them. They want no other rule in their lives but their own. Their hatred of the message turns to hatred for the messenger. Such murdered the prophets and murdered God’s Son.
We are living in a day when men will not “endure sound doctrine.” Those who speak “smooth things” will be popular and preferred. Would you speak the truth to a “rebellious people”? Get ready for hatred and martyrdom.