Wednesday, August 24, 2016
From time to time, this question arises in the hearts of God’s children: “Are there prophets today as there were in Old Testament times? Before I elaborate a bit, the answer is “no”! If you ask me when the changeover came, I don’t believe anyone knows the exact day but in general terms the prophets eventually disappeared because God would no longer do things as before and they would thus be no longer needed. Hebrews 1:1-2 reads: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe.”
Regarding these two verses, here is what the great bible commentator, Matthew Henry, wrote: The prophets of old were, [“the persons by whom God delivered His mind. They were the persons chosen of God, and qualified by Him, for that office of revealing the will of God to men. No man takes this honor to himself, unless called; and whoever are called of God are qualified of Him.”] We must keep in mind that people in Old Testament times did not have the entire Word of God (the Bible) available to them. This was way before Christ would come into the world. Today, because the bible is now complete, we can know God’s will not only by reading His Word, but also by the leading of the Holy Spirit, who was given to all who would believe in and commit their lives to Christ, beginning on the Day of Pentecost.”
Why is this important to you and me? There are many people around today who proclaim they are prophets of God. Now, I realize that certain churches choose to call their leaders “prophets” but they are not at all like the Old Testament prophets. Today’s true prophets are only relaying the message of God which has already been revealed. Unlike the Old Testament prophets, they are not revealing anything new or something which was not known before. When coming across one who proclaims to be a prophet of God, pray, and let the Word of God be your guide. Additionally, Jesus said that we can know them by their fruit. This includes the things they say, the way they live, and what others say about them. If and when you have determined that they are false teachers or preachers, do your best to separate yourselves from them.
God’s promise for today: (Psalm 61:2-3) “lead me to the rock that is higher than I; For you are my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”
