Beware of False Prophets

Matthew 24:4,5;11;24

As we are living in confusing times it seems that many Christians are adding to the confusion instead of bringing clarity. I am reminded of what King Zedekiah asked Jeremiah the prophet in time of confusion and chaos “Is there any word from the Lord?” (Jeremiah 37:17) Although Zedekiah never really cared much about what God had to say up to this point, now in a time of desperation he is ready to listen. I think people today are ready to listen, but from many church leaders there is not a clear and Biblical message coming forth.

Jesus was sharing with his disciples prophetic answers to their questions of when the Temple would be destroyed. One sign that Jesus emphasized the most was false Christ and false prophets. The three years prior to the fall of Jerusalem was filled with chaos and confusion and many self proclaimed prophets and messiahs were taking advantage of the situation. All of the prophecies and promises came to nothing and instead of listening to Jesus and fleeing Jerusalem, many perished or were enslaved during the siege.

The point is that they should have listen to Jesus’ words. And in our time of chaos and confusion we need to do the same! There have been many self proclaimed prophets over the last year that prophesied things concerning the pandemic and election. All that it has led to has been mounting conspiracy theories, failed prophecies, and false hope. The result is that many are now turning away from the church instead of running to it.

Peter said that we have a “more sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19) that we need to take heed too. That sure word is the Bible. Isaiah said that “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is not light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20)

The Bible is the standard by which we judge whether someone is prophesying in the name of the Lord or whether they are a self proclaimed charlatan trying to still the spotlight to build up his own ministry. He may build himself up, but at the same time be letting some down and leading others astray. Biblical prophecy must be interpreted in the light of how Jesus and the writers of the New Testament interpreted them. Many things that have been proclaimed about the end time in the last few decades have simply not come to pass.

So I want to encourage you to “Seek out the book of the Lord and read.” (Isaiah 34:16) But just don’t read it. Read it prayerfully so that you will not be deceived and be ready for “The Son of man will come in a time that you think not!” (Matthew 24:44)

Pastor Robby