What a time to be alive!
A great deal is happening worldwide today, and as a result, almost everyone has some prophecy regarding the end of the world. For those who do not believe, fear, anxiety, and various mental health issues seem to be on the rise. In contrast, religious communities are filled with predictions and claims of fulfilling Bible prophecies. Like non-believers, many also speculate about the end of the age and the return of Yeshua (Jesus). While I can understand this mindset among those who do not believe in the Scriptures, I don’t think it is appropriate for people of faith to adopt such an attitude. Changes are occurring, and these changes often align with the prophetic words found in the Bible and many other religious texts.
Christians should always be prepared for our Lord’s return at any moment. We look forward to the day when Yeshua (Jesus) returns, but we must not become so consumed by the changes happening around us that we must remember to be a light for others, guiding them toward Yeshua and the peace that comes from knowing Him. We shouldn’t focus solely on escaping the calamities we face; instead, we walk through them under the protection of the Lord Yeshua. We do not let fear take hold of us when we witness the troubles around us; instead, we remain in awe of what our Lord is doing, knowing that we will be with Him soon.
Before reading further, take a moment to read James 4:1-8
Fake prophets and teachers. What could go wrong?
Jeremiah 23:33-40 informs us about those who claim to be prophets sent by God to deliver a message that, in most cases, leads many astray because these people were not given a message or sent by the Lord.
In the Old Testament, speaking as if the Lord has given a self-appointed prophet a message but hasn’t is severely rebuked. Read Ezekiel 13 about false prophets and see how the Lord deals with them. What about the New Testament period, false prophets, and teachers? Are they treated the same as before, or worse?
Here is a limited list of verses in the New Testament that address the issue of false prophets and teachers. However, there is more during the New Testament than in the Old Testament. Matthew 7:15-16; 1 John 4:1-2; Acts 13:6; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Colossians 2:16-23; Acts 20:28-30; 2 Corinthians 11:2-3; Galatians 1:8; Revelation 2:2; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; and 2 Peter 3:14-18.
My reason for this post is one of concern for those who claim to follow the Lord Yeshua. In Jeremiah, we see so-called prophets and teachers (priests) claiming to have a message for the people from the Lord when they did not. On the other hand, would the punishment that God applies in Jeremiah and elsewhere in the Old Testament also apply to followers of Yeshua who claim that the Lord gave them a message for some people in their church or for Christian congregations at large when the Lord more than likely did not say a word to the so-called prophets, teachers, or priests. There will come a time when the witnesses will be seen by all, delivering a message that is from the Lord and does come to pass, unlike the false prophets and teachers whose message never materializes. There are no excuses for anyone who comes claiming, “thus says the Lord,” that the message was divinity given.
Today, false prophets and teachers are treated the same as during the Old Testament period. There are no exceptions regarding a false witness.
However, the question is, does the Holy Spirit talk to us today? No doubt in my mind! The difference is that the Holy Spirit testifies concerning Yeshua and guides the elect, “the followers of Yeshua.” The Holy Spirit gives us a voice when we witness or are called before the courts. The Holy Spirit teaches us about God’s kingdom and how to present ourselves to others. The Holy Spirit opens the Scriptures to those seeking to know more about Him. The Holy Spirit reveals things to us for our walk with Yeshua and our maturity, but not for others to know.
The Holy Spirit speaks through us when we preach a message from the Scriptures, write a commentary, research ancient texts, or teach about Yeshua. For those called to evangelize or Shepard a church, the Holy Spirit empowers them to be like a stand-in for Him while He is physically absent. Does the Holy Spirit give us a prophetic word? Yes, and that word is for the encouraging followers of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will always lead us into all truth about Yeshua and His kingdom. Will the Holy Spirit give insight, revelation, and foresight to those tasked with revealing the mysteries of the Scriptures during a season for that knowledge to be made available? The answer is yes.
So, be cautious about those claiming special knowledge concerning the Scriptures or future happenings. Especially be on guard against anyone using the phrase “thus says the Lord.”
May the peace of the Lord Yeshua (Jesus) be with you.
“Unconventional Thought”
by Mike Kovach
December 2024.
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