Jeremiah 27-28

27:
Every nation gets handed over to Babylon. If the nations go along with this, then they get to stay on their own land during the occupancy. If not, they get removed. Then, at a later time, Babylon gets its comeuppance and becomes subjugated to the other nations. Also, the holy things from the temple will be taken from Jerusalem, but God is already planning for their eventual restoration.

How can Udo Middelman say that God doesn't determine/control the flow of history in view of this passage, I wonder?

28:
Claiming that God says something that he really doesn't is a big deal to God. Enough to kill Hananiah after he made these false prophecies. I've heard people occasionally say something about having a word of prophecy, although I can't think of a specific instance and I have not taken them seriously anyway. But God certainly takes Hananiah seriously here. What Hananiah has done is an affront to God as well as a disservice to God's people, and God acts.

Lord, this whole area of supernatural gifts such as healing or prophecy has me confused and wondering. How do you work in the world today? Do you do spectacular healings? Do you send prophets? Some say we should rule these things out because the era of such things has past. Is that correct, or is that placing limitations on you? What am I to make of the claims of Cynthia Harris, that she clearly believes and says she approached with a critical eye? And Phyllis saying she has her sense of smell back? I am a doubting Thomas, and you had the chance to convince me a few weekends ago but didn't... Is generalizing from healing gifts to prophetic gifts and visa versa even legitimate? Should I expect anything that appoies to one to apply to the other, or am I just mushing everything together.

Maybe Vic can recommend a book on the subject.