Deuteronomy 12:1-14:2; Psalm 105 "Charlatans"

Read: Deuteronomy 12:1-14:2; Psalm 105 "Charlatans"

Verses chosen for meditation: Deuteronomy 13:1-3 “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.

Reflect

God’s instruction to the people of Israel was clear: do not follow the ways of false prophets or a dreamer of dreams even if their signs and wonders came to pass. No doubt, there were plenty of such charlatans in the days of Moses. As Israel settled into the land of Canaan, travelling false prophets might come by to entice the people of God to follow their ways; and not the ways of Yahweh. 

It would be tempting to do so. Especially when the people get distracted and witnessed false signs and wonders coming into “reality”. Yet, Yahweh’s warning was very clear. These false prophets and dreamer of dreams were to be put to death and the people were to steer clear of them.

Relate

It might be surprising to some that the signs and wonders of false prophets can come to pass. Yet we know that by the wisdom of God, the limited ways of Satan are allowed for certain purposes. After all, the evil one had promised Jesus the power of the world (Matthew 4); a promise which was not empty by any means. 

Therefore the Apostle Paul had warned his congregations that we need to discern carefully the spirits of this world. Whether signs and wonders are truly from God or are they from the evil one to entice one into false worship. 

Yet, how do we discern? Same way as Moses warned the congregation; that is, to discern via the word of God. The emphasis was that people must “know” who we are worshipping. The “know” can only be from the word of “Him” whom we worship. We cannot be so bold as to claim that we can definitely know a particular “miracle” is from God if we do not even know what the Bible is saying.

Moreover, faith is not primarily based by what we can see, but rather by certainty of what is unseen (Hebrews 11). Hence, what can be seen, especially that which seems spectacular, should be carefully discerned if these are compatible with Biblical principles. Even where “healing” or “deliverance” is concerned, we need to understand if things like that leads to right worship and true leading of the Christian life. 

For example, it seems unlikely that the power of God heal someone halfway, only to lead him or her into great discouragement and confusion. Or he or she who seems to be “delivered” but a few weeks later, lapse into something even worse. Not saying that these are definitely false; but I tend to take them with an extra pinch of salt. I learned that I must not be too quick to make judgements and also try to observe the way these "prophets" or "teachers" are leading their life. 

Pray and discern. In some ways, I am more convinced that true spiritual growth and freedom equals a growth in our love for God and one another. Such truth does not change because it is from the Lord of all lords Himself. Anything else? Let us discern carefully. 

Rest

Lord my God, help the church universal to discern in the Spirit and Word, of what is true and what is untrue. Help us to have the courage to steer clear of false teachers and not give in to such enticement. Lead us towards into Your truth so that we can find freedom, joy and growth in You. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

Jason