“A man of God” (1 Samuel 9:6)
Just as there exist true prophets who are “A man of God” living under His commandment and rule, many false prophets defying the Lord’s law have resided in this world these days. History recites their existence from the era of Prophets, Apostles and still in this generation. In the Old Testament, many false prophets foretell false prophesies purposely due to love of money. Some spoke of notions which have emerged from their own heart. “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart ‘Hear the word of the LORD!” (Ezekiel 13:2)
Others foretold false prophecies led by evil spirit. In scripted in the Book of Kings I, Prophet Micah told and warned King Ahab about God’s words of prophecies. However, the King only wanted to hear what he desired but not the true words of God which are difficult for him to accept. (I Kings 22:1-23)
“Now three years passed without war between Syria and Israel. Then it came to pass, in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went down to visit the king of Israel. And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, but we hesitate to take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?” So he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight at Ramoth Gilead?” Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” Also Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire for the word of the LORD today.” Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to fight, or shall I refrain?” So they said, “Go up, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?” So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.”
And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say such things!” Then the king of Israel called an officer and said, “Bring Micaiah the son of Imlah quickly!” The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, having put on their robes, sat each on his throne, at a threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made horns of iron for himself; and he said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed.’” And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, “Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the king’s hand.” Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Please, let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement.” And Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, whatever the LORD says to me, that I will speak.” Then he came to the king; and the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall we refrain?” And he answered him, “Go and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king!”
So the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?” Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’” And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” Then Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left. And the LORD said, ‘Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will persuade him.’ The LORD said to him, ‘In what way?’ So he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the LORD said, ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’ Therefore, look! The LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has declared disaster against you.”
Many false prophets have come to pass in our time foretelling all the philosophies of prosperous, triumphant and futurity of authoritative power of governors. These bogus speakers ambush the thoughts of the pupil through the control of the mass medias. They betray not only the trust of the gentiles but also the Lord. Men then are pressured to lean to falsity but not to the reality or else the true word of God.
Prophet Micah has been considered bad prophet for only speaking God’s words which is the truth. He was even put to torture and imprisoned. “Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, “Which way did the spirit from the LORD go from me to speak to you?” And Micaiah said, “Indeed, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide!” So the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah, and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son; and say, ‘Thus says the king: “Put this fellow in prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and water of affliction, until I come in peace.” But Micaiah said, “If you ever return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Take heed, all you people!” (I Kings 22:24-28)
The true prophet’s words always come through for they are words of God. Though they go to trails for pronouncing prophecies, it is for sure to be commenced and liberating the men of God. Those who follow them are Christians acknowledging the value of their words and the outcome of its seed. It is vital to differentiate the truth from the lie and the false prophets from the true ones.
Holy Orthodox Incarnation Church warns about the false prophets ahead of us. The Gospel which preached within her clarifies about their deed occurring occasionally. She has foretold about them whom are influencing many to follow sham, devilish and falsity teaching that drags in the enemy nest. These usually come in the face of hermit, teacher or Baptist to be believed and accepted by congregations in and outside churches.
Dear Brethren, we shall thus be aware of them and preserve to give in ourselves to their spurious word as our Lord has warned us through Prophet Jeremiah saying, “Therefore do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers, or your sorcerers, who speak to you, saying, “You shall not serve the king of Babylon.” (Jeremiah 27:9)
May God’s protection and guidance be with us, Amen!