If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams.
I had a lot of friends as a kid from all walks of life. Some of them were not of the best walk of life and I was easily led astray. Some friends seemed okay at first until they suggested doing something destructive or illegal. I wish I could say I heeded the Lord’s warning and not listened to the words of that friend. Some of the speakers seeking influence among the Israelites may have had the “it” factor, a charisma that easily charms the eyes and ears. The test is whether they seek the Lord or other gods.
There are many who seek to have influence among the Christian church whose signs and wonders are intriguing but their motives are less than pure. The test for them is whether they are willing to follow the Lord Jesus Christ to the cross or just insofar as it is profitable for themselves. If they say, “Let’s do this thing”, and it does not square with Scripture, the Scripture is clear. Do not listen to that schemer of schemes. He is not speaking for the Lord. Only the Scripture can say “Thus says the Lord.”
Dear Lord, thank you for telling us how to know who is following you. May we be following you to the cross and the kingdom, not other men. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church