Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
–Matthew 7:15
Approximately three years ago, I was having lunch rekindling a relationship with a gentleman that I had not seen in a little better than a year. I had gotten busy and simply failed to keep in contact with him. It turns out that he had recently gone through a series of medical issues and was out of touch for much of that past year. It was enjoyable to hear how God had healed him and helped him through the year. As we enjoyed our lunch, we discussed many different topics. At some point in the conversation, he began to prophesy over some historic events that he was sure would take place at any time but definitely within the next couple of weeks. His predictions were fairly outlandish.
My first thought in situations like this is that God can do pretty much anything and if he wanted, he could make this man’s prophesy come true. However, on this occasion, my first thought was simply that what he was proposing would destroy the very fabric of our nation. Of course, God could do that, but would He? I listened as this man shared great detail and excitement about the changes that were coming. He seemed joyful, but I was feeling sorrowful. The things he was prophesying about would not have been good for our nation. Again, I submit God does not have to do what is in the best interest of our nation, particularly since our nation has turned so far from Him. The bottom line in my heart at the time was more in line with a lament. The conversation continued, and we went our separate ways. But this man’s words haunted me. My spirit was not settled.
Over the following days, I prayed fervently for the situation, for this man, and for some understanding. It was during this time that God reminded me that this man was a bit of a parrot. His “prophesy” was something that he had heard on the radio or television and then claimed for his own. I had heard him do that repeatedly during our short relationship. The year apart had made me forget that truth. Now it all came back.
Thinking through the lunch, I should have asked him directly, maybe if he is reading this, it won’t be too late, “Are these your words or are you sharing the words of another?” In my imagination, he would have looked at me, maybe a bit hurt, but definitely confused. My next line would be something along the lines of, “You know in the Old Testament, we are taught to identify false prophets by looking for their fruit. Many passages seem to say that a false prophet should be executed, and I am wondering who should be executed if that prophesy does not come to pass?” I am confident that our friendship would have ended there, but since I have not seen him since that day, maybe it would have caused him to think more carefully about his own words.
His prophesies did not come to pass and have not happened in the days since. At this point if his prophecy comes to pass in any fashion, it will be through ordinary means. My friends, we must start confronting the false prophets of our day. They are an embarrassment to Christ. I confess that I have often feared being condemned as just not spiritual enough when I call them out. Too often I have feared the judgement of man. But that day, I failed to do my part to speak truth in love to my brother out of fear. I repent, this day, of allowing fear to hold me back. I will walk with God, and I will speak truth in love to all men and let God deal with the repercussions.
