Title: Three Appearances of a False Prophet
Three aspects of false prophets (Explanation 69)
1 Samuel 28:15-25
During David's brief exile to Gath, a war broke out between the Philistines and Israel, which caused Saul to have an ominous foreboding, and he was gripped by unrest. He sought God to appease his anxious heart, but God did not speak to him.
But it was not that God did not speak. The problem was that they did not listen to God even when He spoke. Get on your knees before God, come to your senses, and be still for an hour. You don't know how much enlightenment God gives you. Saul's problem was that he did not stand right before God.
Not realizing that fact, Saul finds a new woman from Endor. Then the woman mimics Samuel's voice and gives a plausible sermon. "The Lord has left you, so why do you ask me? It is because you do not obey God's command to destroy the Amalekites. Tomorrow you and your sons will die, and Israel will fall into the hands of the Philistines."
It sounds plausible, but this is the spiritual deception of the maiden of Endor. There are two possibilities. If the woman were a "shaman of learning", she would have judged based on the various rumors and circumstances that she had heard and preached in the guise of Samuel. And if the woman were a "shaman of the gods", she would have delivered the message of the devil disguised as Samuel. If you look at the content of what is being said, even if it sounds like the words of real Samuel, you should clearly understand that it is not Samuel because it is against God's spiritual principles.
Looking at the actions of the endor's sorcerer, we see the form of a false prophet. What would a false prophet look like?
1. to tell a strange story
False prophets have a habit of telling strange things in ways that are contrary to the principles of God. The appearance of the maiden, which emphasizes that he saw Samuel ascending, or that the soul of Samuel appeared, is typical of the false prophet.
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount by saying, “Beware of false prophets.” In that sermon, Jesus said these things about false prophets. “On that day many said to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and perform many mighty works in your name?” (Matthew 7:22).
What does this verse teach us? False prophets also prophesy in the name of the Lord, cast out demons in the name of the Lord, and perform many mighty works in the name of the Lord. So it looks like a completely real prophet. But contrary to what they look like, they are fake prophets.
Korean church members are really weak in experience. If you see it once, experience it once, you tend to follow it unconditionally without even checking the source. So, as they say, "The person who reads a book is the scariest person in the world," I see many cases where a new believer who has experienced it once becomes a really scary person. However, those who risk their lives for one miraculous experience will fall into serious trouble as their soul passes over time. Therefore, it is necessary to have a humble attitude to use one experience as a tool for comprehensive judgment.
In the wilderness, Satan tried to overthrow Jesus with temptations of miracles. However, Jesus resisted Satan's temptations with the written word. Therefore, it is more important to discern whether the miracle really originates from God than to see a miracle. In that sense, it cannot be overemphasized that the knowledge of the Word and the wisdom of experience are important.
2. Some speak the truth
False prophets sometimes accurately diagnose a situation and speak the truth. Like a young woman from Endor, she pretends to be Samuel speaking, and sometimes appears to be prophesying the word of God. However, you should know that such an act is a trick of the devil.
The devil is a "deceiver." can't you say anything If we can deceive souls and lead them into the wrong path by using the word of God, the devil is the one who can disguise the word of God.
Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 7:21).” It is necessary to think about why Jesus finished the Sermon on the Mount with these words.
Everyone! What is more important than saying or hearing plausible things is whether the person is really doing the will of God. This "work" is not an act in the sense of obeying the given law of God. We must not forget that knowing God's grace, giving thanks, praising, and praying is an action that means living.
3. Be kind on the outside
False prophets usually act outwardly when they first meet. Saul's energy was strong, so what did the female shaman of Endor do? "Let the maid give me a piece of bread. And restore my strength." At that time, Saul refuses, but the female shaman urges him to carefully prepare a meal and feed it. Just looking at this, she is a wonderful woman.
However, false prophets can also come in this way. Everyone! Be grateful for the kind attitude of a kind person. But don't trust him easily with kindness alone. I see some scammers who seem to be friendly and trustworthy, but then run away by asking for a loan. Do not forget that such a thing can also happen in matters of the soul.
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15).
The apostle Paul also said: “Satan also disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not a big deal for Satan’s servants to disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, but in the end they will be according to their works (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Satan does not come with a blindfolded and threatening appearance. Think common sense. If Satan approaches him like that from the beginning, who will follow him? Everyone! Beware that your soul is not easily seduced by sideways phenomena, speech, and outward kindness. And always be alert and sober and pray that you will not be deceived before the Lord. May God's wisdom and understanding overflow in your life.