Throughout the Bible there is lots of talk about false prophets and teachers.  It is not something that we talk about much today but perhaps we should.  In an era with almost limitless information at our fingertips, we should certainly be concerned about what is false and can lead us in the wrong direction.  Let’s look at God’s words in Micah 2 together today.

“Do not prophesy,” their prophets say.
    “Do not prophesy about these things;
    disgrace will not overtake us.”

You descendants of Jacob, should it be said,
    “Does the Lord become impatient?
    Does he do such things?”

“Do not my words do good
    to the one whose ways are upright?

Lately my people have risen up
    like an enemy.
You strip off the rich robe
    from those who pass by without a care,
    like men returning from battle.

You drive the women of my people
    from their pleasant homes.
You take away my blessing
    from their children forever.

Get up, go away!
    For this is not your resting place,
because it is defiled,
    it is ruined, beyond all remedy.

If a liar and deceiver comes and says,
    ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,’
    that would be just the prophet for this people!

In this case the false messages were easy to spot.  They were doing things and teaching things that were directly contradictory to the law of God.  Today false messages can be more subtle.  Perhaps they are based in truth and sometimes even use scripture in wrong ways to get their message across.  That is where we have to rely on scripture and the Holy Spirit’s direction in our lives to make sure the messages that we are following are the right ones.  The next time you hear or read something that doesn’t quite sit right with you take a moment and ask God for wisdom and discernment.  Look to scripture to guide you and even seek the council of other followers of Jesus that you trust.  May God guide and lead us all into truth and increased wisdom as we walk through the journey of life.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave