False Prophets

Focus verses: Ezekiel 13:1-16

Being a prophet is a fearful thing. One must be very careful to speak only what the Lord has spoken or shown in a vision.

When a prophet has had some little success in this, it is easy to be drawn away into wishful thinking and create visions of his own. But there is a dire consequence for this.

The Lord's hand is against all false prophets. They will be cut off from the house of Israel (and by extension from the grafted in gentiles of the church). Their names will not be listed in the records of the house of Israel. The Lord will send a violent storm to destroy the false prophecies and the false prophets.

The Lord's wrath will fall hard upon the false prophet. So if you have the gift of prophecy, you need to be very sure that the words of your mouth are coming from Him and not from your own wishful thinking.

Father, God,

Grant us discernment in the cacophony of life to hear Your voice clearly at all times. Speak to us with love and direction. We will listen, obey, and teach only Your words.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Liars and Deceivers

Focus verses: Micah 2:6-11

Today's reading shows us the third prophet in this time frame. Micah is prophesying the same message that Amos and Isaiah have been prophesying. God wants obedience and righteousness from the people, not empty forms of worship.

But today's reading also talks about preachers and prophets. Micah has just told the people that their sins of covetousness and greed will bring heavy judgment upon them. Then he says:

"If a liar and deceiver comes and says, 'I will prophesy for you plenty...' he would be just the prophet for this people!"

Suddenly I see a number of people who preach a gospel of wealth and prosperity, a name it and claim it gospel. Micah has just said they are false prophets.

We live in a time when communication is universal and immediate. Television and radio bring words from one side of the world to the other in moments, not months. People seem pressed for time because they occupy themselves with recreation and entertainment, not the study of God and His word. Therefore, people are deluded by the ear-tickling messages of these false prophets.

In Second Timothy we are enjoined to study the word of truth, to explain it correctly, to live it rightly. (Paraphrased by me.)

Unless we study the word of God diligently, we will be led astray by those who tickle our ears with half-truths for their own gain.

Father, God,

Help us to study Your word diligently so that we know Your voice and are not led astray by those who would tell us pleasant lies to our destruction.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.