THE BANE OF FALSE PROPHECY

⏰Monday of the Eighteenth Week of Ordinary Time 2 (03 August 2020)

📖Jer 28:1-17; Ps 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102 (R.v.68b); Matt 14:13-24

🎤THE BANE OF FALSE PROPHECY

In ancient Israel, there are three criteria that were used to determine authentic prophets:
💥The prophecy must not contradict the Law (cf. Deut 12:32 – 13:4);
💥The prophet must be a prophet like Moses, who is seen as the ideal prophet (cf. Deut 18:15-20);
💥The prophecy must come to fulfilment (cf. Deut 18:21-22).

Consider the confrontation between Jeremiah and Hananiah (Jer 28:1-17) in that light. The people would obviously be confused at whom to follow. Of course, in that confusion, they might want to follow Hananiah because he was prophesying what the people wanted to hear (cf. Jer 28:2-4, 10-11).

The same drama reoccurs daily in our world today. Many people arise with the claim of being called by God. Many would even claim that Jesus ordained them in a dream. They will go ahead to promise the world heaven on earth.

Be warned! Learn from what happened after the false prophecy of Hananiah. Instead of the troubles of the people being alleviated, they were multiplied (cf. Jer 28:12-14). As for the deceiving prophets, the anger of the Lord would not spare them in the end (cf. Jer 28:15-17).

All we need to be saved is to follow Jesus closely. He is sure to save us as he saved Peter from sinking into the sea (Matt 14:31).

At the beginning of this new work week, I pray that God may not allow false prophets to lead us astray and so deny us the opportunity of gaining God’s blessing in this week and beyond. And may God make all the ministers of the gospel authentic and effective in the service of God and God’s people.

Have a blessed new work week. May it be for you, a week of divine uplifting through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you.