I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in My wisdom and had caused My people to hear My Words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings. Jeremiah 23:21-22 MKJV
Read: Jeremiah 23
The rise of TV evangelism and Rock Star prophets has caused many of us to look up to them as present day prophets. This is not a modern day phenomenon; it had started thousands of years ago, when people turned away from the Word of GOD to the word of man. The only difference is that the message reaches our living rooms today.
The purpose of this blog is not to judge the present day TV evangelists but to look into what makes a true or false prophet and on what basis should we listen or follow their teachings. In the book of Jeremiah, it is an evil period and the people of GOD are looking for ways to continue on their evil path and look for words that will encourage them to stay away from the real purpose of the Word. The prophets of that time made prophesies but not in the Lord’s counsel but for the purpose of their profit and glory.
In Jeremiah 23:28, the Lord says let the prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream and who has My Word, let him speak My Word faithfully. In other words GOD has provided us a framework through His Word and a prophet should speak within the boundaries of the Word and not from his emotional, logical or in some cases glory seeking plans. Being a prophet of GOD is a huge responsibility, as one leads GOD’s people he or she should not be carried away by the desires of the people but should be in sync with the Word and Mind of GOD.
The key question here is how do we as children of GOD differentiate between a dream and Word from GOD when delivered by a prophet. As we study the book of Jeremiah we will understand that a false prophet will have 3 distinct features -:
- Encourages the evil of the period or generation.
- Distinctly moves us away from GOD’s word and counsel
- Connects to us emotionally rather than on the spiritual basis of GOD’s word.
In order for us as followers of Christ to differentiate between a true or false message, it is important that we base all that we hear on the Word of GOD and His Counsel. In order for this to be applicable we need 3 important ingredients - :
- A close walk with our Lord during all situations in our life
- The anointing power and presence of the Holy Spirit to be able to understand His Word
- To walk in the light of His Word and away from the darkness of the world.
Many will come proclaiming in the name of Jesus and let us leave GOD to judge them and their messages, however it is our duty to walk in His Light as He will speak to us through His Word about what is true and not. I encourage all in having a closer walk with our Lord and receiving what you hear in today’s world based on the Word of GOD and His counsel.
GOD BLESS!
©Deeps 2012