The Prophets Have Spoken
It is over and the prophets have spoken. Several in virtual unanimity have foreseen that Trump would be retained as President. Several variances have been things such as there being a nationwide blackout associated with it. I don’t know why other than it makes it seem more ominous . Another variance was there would be a major food shortage and people should stock up on food.
Based on an obsessive desire by some to know the future, prophets have made a profit in the lead up to the election. I have dear friends who have been confident in Trump’s reelection prophesied by people in whom they had great confidence.
Such expressions as “God has spoken to my spirit and assured me Trump will be our next president.” Some have assured their followers that as we have drawn nearer the confirmation of Biden as President God was simply delaying Trump’s triumph as a test of their faith.
There are two schools of thought regarding the motive of modern prophets. One, they are under self-delusion and really believe God has spoken to them.
The other is they know they are deceiving people for profit. An occasional luck guess by a charlatan keeps devotees committed.
Prophets have a ready made audience among people who have an interest in the future or those who want to know more than others. An inordinate interest in wanting to know the future is not a healthy thing. It detracts from the present.
Scripture speaks regarding false prophets and notes “You may wonder how you can tell when a prophet’s message does not come from the Lord. If a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord and what he says does not come true, then it is not the Lord’s message. That prophet has spoken on his own authority…” (Deuteronomy 18: 21- 22) Another translation renders the text “whenever a prophet speaks in my name and the prediction is not fulfilled, then I have not spoken it…” Having said “God told him” or “God revealed a thing” the prophet is saying his message is from God. It being false, that is, a lie it can’t be from God because God can’t lie and be true to His very nature. That is one of His characteristics.
Jesus said, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (I John 4: 1)
The elections having come and gone has given occasion to test the prophets’ message and find it false. Those who follow prophets proven to be false should dissociate from them lest they be further deceived.
There are two meanings to the word prophet. One foretells the future and the other meaning is to forth tell, that is share the Scripture. That is good.