What do false prophets have in common with each other according to the Bible? Well, if you were to read in 1 Kings 22, it says that these people who call themselves prophets but are not, really have a lying spirit inside of them. Even many of the really believe this to be true, unknowingly being deceived instead. These people go about as workers of Satan and not God. The end goal is to deceive people into believing their own man-made teachings. This is sad since they always outnumber the real prophets, who are filled with the gift of prophecy, also. However, there is always a way to know if a prophet is of God or not. For the true prophets would never say follow me, but follow Jesus instead. And do you know of any churches who would rather point you to follow their prophets instead of God? I do! The Mormon Church. They even have a song called “Follow The Prophet“, which the lyrics say, “Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, follow the prophet; don’t go astray. Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, follow the prophet; he knows the way.” Now, does this sound like they are pointing people to follow Jesus or their prophets? There prophets, of course. Therefore, we can count them out as a true church right away. For if they were built up with this mindset of pointing people to follow their prophets, then it was also built from a lie from the beginning. In 1 Kings 22, it reads, 1“and there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.” (1 Kings 22:21,22) This was speaking of the 400 prophets that came forth from the King of Israel, who was Ahab. They are reminiscent of what they did and said, much like the Mormon prophets today. They appear good in what the say and do but are really evil on the inside.
In regards to true prophets, there were few of them at this time, one being named Micaiah. The king of Israel did not like him at all. For he said that 1“he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” (1 Kings 22:8) You see, he didn’t say things to tickle people’s feathers, but was willing to speak from the word of the Lord instead. And how did he talk? Of his own self or of God? This is what he said, “as the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak.” (1 Kings 22:14) This is exactly the type of man that Jehoshaphat was looking for, not just people who say they are prophets. And before meeting up with this man of God, Jehoshaphat said something very important. He 1“said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?” (1 Kings 22:7) How many people think this way anymore? Instead, people are ok with every wind of doctrine they hear from people and think it is of God, where a lot of the teachings are not even based on the Bible. Therefore, they are not of God. Now, in regards to Jehoshaphat, who trusted in God above men. He allowed Micaiah to speak and he said, 1“I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.” (1 Kings 22:17) 1“Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.” (1 Kings 22:19) And that Jehoshaphat would be safe in the war, but Ahab would be killed. Ahab didn’t believe this, but it came to pass just as he spoke. And another thing that we know is true about prophets is that their prophesies always come to pass since they speak for God. This is very important to know and understand in this day that we live. There are many false prophets among us, so keep reading the Bible and praying often, that you may know who is genuine and who is not.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people in this world will learn to understand the difference between a man of God and a wolf in sheep’s clothing. So often do both of these types of people appear genuine on the outside, but only one of them is genuine in the inside. What is sad is that these false prophets outnumber those people who really have the gift of prophecy in our day. So, Lord, I pray that people’s minds and ears are open to learning what You have said in the Bible, for it pertains to our day. That they may start seeking You out often in prayer as well. This way they will see who is really a charlatan and who is legit. Their eyes will be opened, much like mine have, and finally see the truth and no longer be led astray. Oh, how I love You and wish that more people would be pointing people to follow You, instead of seeking followers for themselves. It is really sad to know that even churches are now teaching people to follow their prophets, namely the Mormon Church. These people cannot even see the deceits they are under. Their eyes are blinded, so they continue to follow their prophets and are led astray. They may think that they are on the path which leads to heaven, but really they are on a path that leads to hell. Surely, we cannot follow men and be saved, but only believe in and follow You, Jesus for salvation. There is no other Name under heaven that we can be saved, but through You, Lord Jesus. I trust in what Your Word says and will never again follow prophets, but only hear them out if they are truly a man of God. I know that You will make this known to me and others. The gift of prophecy is for this day also, but the real purpose of our journey now is to trust in You, Jesus. We follow You and nobody else. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
