“’But if a prophet presumptuously speaks a word in my name which I didn’t order him to say, or if he speaks in the name of other gods, then that prophet must die.’”
Deuteronomy 18:20
Growing up I have found myself many times sitting under the ministry of a prophet. It started at a young age when it was first prophesied over me that I would be a pastor. At the age when little boys are out on the soccer field or preparing to play football, I was found in church. The prophet called up the little children and I went forward. As the prophet prayed over me and revealed my destiny as per Adonai, it registered within my heart. It became my identity and all I could think about. Over the course of time I have sat again under this prophet, as well as a few others. I have heard Adonai share many details of life with me, and as the time goes forward they come true. They are not fortune-tellings, and crystal ball revealings, but true words from Adonai Himself. But maybe I have been fortunate. I have allowed myself to listen and sit under trusted prophets.
Here in Deuteronomy 18:20, where Adonai is speaking through Moshe details about prophecy, He explains clearly that if the prophet speaks for Adonai when not ordered, or if he speaks in the leading of other gods, that ‘prophet’ must die. In reading this I am reminded of the words of Ezekiel 13:6. Speaking concerning false prophets, Ezekiel declares, “Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The LORD declares,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled.”
I would like to ring the bell of warning if I may. We live in a time when people want to know the future, want to hear the good things to come, and want to live care-free. But I urge us to not allow our ears to be tickled. Adonai speaks still today – it is true. Yet Adonai will not speak against His Word. Years ago it was explained to me that prophesy should be a confirmation to something Adonai has already placed in your heart. For me, this has been true. Just recently I attended a meeting where I had felt Adonai leading me in a certain direction. I prayed over this for days, asked counsel of others, and sought hard to make sure it was Him and not me. When I went to the church days later to hear the speaker, it was prophesied over me the answer from Adonai. This person knew nothing except my name, yet spoke His words, “Run to complete the task I have called you to. Be bold, step out, and run.”
When it is Adonai, it will bear witness with what He has already told you. But let us be aware of those who speak on their own behalf and claim it as Adonai’s.
Deuteronomy 18:14 – 19:13
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