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Prophets

Order and office.-The sacerdotal order was originally the instrument by which the members of the Jewish theocracy were taught and governed in things spiritual. Teaching by act and teaching by word were alike their task. But during the time of the judges, the priesthood sank into a state of degeneracy, and the people were no longer affected by the acted lessons of the ceremonial service. They required less enigmatic warnings and exhortations, under these circumstances a new moral power was evoked the Prophetic Order. Samuel himself Levite of the family of Kohath and almost certainly a priest, was the instrument used at once for effecting a reform in the sacerdotal order and for giving to the prophets a position of importance which they had never before held. Nevertheless it is not to be supposed that Samuel created the prophetic order as a new thing before unknown. The germs both of the prophetic and of the regal order are found in the law as given to the Israelites by Moses but they were not yet developed, because there was not yet the demand for them. Samuel took measures to make his work of restoration permanent as well as effective for the moment. For this purpose he instituted companies or colleges of prophets. Source: Smith’s Bible Dictionary

Hebrews 1:1-3 English Standard Version

The Supremacy of God’s Son

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 

The office of the prophet ended with Jesus Christ. Jesus did not speak for God. He is God, and God is One, in mind and will.

2 Peter 2:1-3 English Standard Version

False Prophets and Teachers

1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

We caution everyone that has the gift given of prophecy not to declare themselves to be prophets because the office no longer exists. The idea of the gift given is one of ownership is false teaching and should be denied.

Consider the exploitation of false words above. That equals lies and we know the Father of lies.

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

John 14:17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

The gift of prophecy knows the truth when it is spoken, and lies for what they are and nothing more. Wisdom and experience explains what to do with that knowledge.

Proclamations

Matthew 24:3-14 English Standard Version

Signs of the End of the Age

3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

There is nothing I can do about war, rumors, famines and earthquakes. As much as I can, I will warn everyone of faith not to fall away, but that is not under my control either. Tribulant times and persecutions will test everyone’s faith. Lawlessness is on the rise. Love is growing cold. There is nothing that I can do about that.

But I can proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom as far and wide as I possibly can.

But then we need to ask ourselves with all sincere faith, what end do we expect is coming with respect to what Jesus promises here? 

What we see and fear will drive our desires to see those things come to an end. Jesus says we will see all this but it is only the beginning of birth pains. This leaves me wondering about what we have seen, what we are seeing and if in this proclamation by our Lord, are we in the beginning pangs or nearing the end of those pangs and about to witness delivery?

I try to keep telling myself that what I think does not matter. I can only do what the Lord calls me to do. Enduring to the end is more likely to be the end of my life, not the end of any of those things spoken of in Matthew 24.

We can only do what we are able to do. Love and obey, remain faithful and not let these present times change our hearts.

False prophets will urge us to follow them rather than Jesus. Do not believe them.