1 Samuel 9-12
Samuel demonstrates how we might test one who claims to be a prophet. When Saul came to him, seeking a prophet, Samuel identifies himself as such, followed by a series of specific short-termed prophecies. When Saul was able to witness their fulfilment, he could be sure that Samuel was a true prophet of God. There have always been more self- proclaimed prophets than real. Unfortunately, the false prophets can always find a following. These are usually driven by greed. In modern times we can find bookstores with row after row being lined with books devoted to prophecy and its supposed fulfilment. However, the predictions are vague and the fulfilment could apply to many different, disconnected, events. One would be hard-pressed to find specific, consistent, oracles that can only apply to a single circumstance. This is what Samuel provided for Saul. It is what any true prophet of God offers. Lord, keep us from the deceptions of those who profess your name, while actually serving the enemy. Amen
I'm only slamming the modern day charlatans who write books and give lectures, getting rich off the gullible. People like Bennie Hinn and Jim Baker.
ReplyDeleteI'm also not slamming the Holy Spirit. I'm slamming those who claim His guidance under false pretenses. The primary reason the Jewish leadership didn't and still don't understand the prophecies concerning Jesus is their hardheartedness toward God. They close themselves to His leading and proudly stand on their traditions, making them the idols to follow, failing to seek out the heart of God revealed through His Holy Spirit. Long-term prophecies have been given by prophets who also have had short-term, specific, revelation provided by God, in order to confirm their position. One of the key terms here is specific. False prophets either give vague prophecies, or explain away the failure of their specific prophecies, because God is not with them.
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