The name Elohei Mikkarov, meaning 'the God who is near,' is our focus this week. While this typically brings comfort to God's people, the context in which it is mentioned presents a different perspective.

For a prolonged period, Yahweh spoke through Jeremiah to forewarn Judah of impending judgment. Due to their consistent abandonment of their covenant with Him, Yahweh would fulfill His covenantal curses by bringing a foreign nation to judge them. This message was neither simple nor popular to deliver.

Jeremiah appeared to stand alone because his message was unpopular. Despite many self-proclaimed prophets, they preached a contrasting message of peace, giving the people false hope. "They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD," cautioned God (Jeremiah 23:16). These prophets boldly contradicted Yahweh, believing He was too distant to notice, allowing them to falsify His words with impunity. In response, God declared, "Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD, "and not a God far away?" (Jeremiah 23:23). In essence, God warned these false prophets that their deceitful preaching did not escape His notice. He was not distant as they presumed; He saw, He heard, and He held them accountable."

"The ancient rabbis taught that three truths guard us against arrogant sin: an all-hearing ear, an all-seeing eye, and a recording hand that inscribes everything in the book of knowledge for the final judgment. Sadly, the false prophets in Jeremiah's time disregarded this wisdom. Failing to acknowledge Yahweh as Elohei Mikkarov, they boldly prophesied falsehoods, dishonoring His holy name. They needed to heed the warning that God sees, hears, and holds them accountable."

Skeptics like to mockingly dismiss the concept of Elohei Mikkarov, a God who is near, who hears, sees, and holds every word, thought, deed, and motive accountable. By rejecting this nearness of God, they live without regard for His laws.

However, such arrogance is not confined to the godless alone. Many professing Christians exhibit similar attitudes, albeit less openly.

Consider, for instance, the 'irreverent babble' of Hymenaeus and Philetus, which spread like a destructive infection in Ephesus, 'upsetting the faith of some' (2 Timothy 2:16–19). This babble likely didn't originate from the pulpit but rather in private conversations. These men operated under the false belief that God was distant and unconcerned with their heresy. Because they denied the reality of Elohei Mikkarov, they were content to undermine the faith of others, assuming no consequences awaited them. Yet, God heard. God saw. God held them accountable. His counsel to them was clear: 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.'

We all sin, even as Christians. At times, we, too, ignore the reality of Elohei Mikkarov, deceiving ourselves into thinking our sins go unnoticed. The longer we perceive ourselves escaping consequences, the deeper our delusion grows. If others don't hold us accountable, we convince ourselves, neither does God. In those moments, we should heed Jeremiah 23:23–24: 'Am I only a God nearby,' declares the LORD, 'and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?' declares the LORD. 'Do I not fill heaven and earth?' declares the LORD.'

As you reflect on Elohei Mikkarov this week, pray for deliverance from this destructive mindset. Remember: He hears. He sees. He holds us accountable. Instead of hiding behind the illusion that He is oblivious, confess your sins and receive the grace of the One who is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.