Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 17, 18; John 13:1-20
“And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will i speak” – 2 Chronicles 18:13 (KJV)
There are so many prophets today who have made the prophetic office look like it is not of God anymore. It is important we see what the scriptures say about a true prophet. Deuteronomy 18:21-22, “And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” Whatever a true prophet say MUST come to pass.
Sadly, so many false prophets have come out claiming they hear from God. Maybe because of the priviledges attached to this office, like its closeness to the throne, yet, the people have not really checked to see if their prophecies came to pass. King Ahab had about four hundred prophets to himself, yet none of them hear from God. They only told him what he wanted to hear. A true prophet never gives his private interpretation; He only shares what the LORD reveals. They are not regarded because of their unpopular views from God. They don’t speak according to consensus, but rather, all they say is: “thus says the LORD”.
True prophets are gifts to us from God. They are given to us for our preservation (Hosea 12:13). Israel was preserved by a prophet. King Ahab’s reign was cut short because he followed the prophecies of false prophets. He reluctantly heeded to the advise of King Jehosapath to get the word of the LORD from a true prophet, yet he despised the words of Micaiah, the prophet, and even imprisoned him. In the end, the word of God prevailed as always.
Getting a good knowledge of the true God and his son Jesus Christ, backed by the Spirit of God, will help us to discern and distinguish a true prophet from a false one. Becoming rich in the Word, knowing God’s nature and character will help us avoid being made merchandise of these false prophets all around. It all starts with coming to Jesus and remaining with Him.
Prayer: Father, open my eyes of understanding to your word, and help me to grow in the knowledge of your word, and help me apply them in Jesus name.
Bro. Onyemaechi Aghanenu