Watching the Watchman - a Time to Discern Prophetic Words
Here we are, a few weeks into
the year 2023. Based on events over the last couple of years, it feels like
people are tiptoeing into the new year. We’re dipping our toes in the water to
see if the temperature is favorable for swimming. Do we just wade in the water
for a bit? Should we be adventurous and swim into the deep and see where the
current takes us? Is it safe to climb up on the boat and journey to the middle
of the ocean or will a storm happen upon us?The world was taken by surprise
in 2020, a year most were looking forward to a clear vision and blessings upon
measure. Yet, 2020 was a year of sickness, death, fear, isolation, and an uncertain
future for the entire world. Since that time, the new year has been a time of
apprehension. Will we be surprised again? Will this year be better than the
last? Is it safe to let our guard down?
Some Christians seek prophetic
words to help them navigate new beginnings, to understand what God has in store
for us or our country. They also seek prophetic words to help them prepare for
dangers God is warning us about, but not every person labeled as a prophet is
hearing the word of the Lord our God.
“For false christs
and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to
lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24 ESV
“Beware of false
prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15ESV
Certain people labeled as prophets
have gained social notoriety from past prophetic words that came to pass. But
since 2020, some of those same “prophets” gave words they “heard from the Lord”
that didn’t come to pass. They were words that tickled our ears or fulfilled a
hope we wished to hear. They were words that gave us a sense of safety,
retribution, and satisfaction, but when they weren’t fulfilled, we were let down
and many questioned their authenticity.
So, what did those “prophets”
do afterward? Some disappeared from the social scene, some gave an explanation as
to why the spoken words didn’t come to fruition, and some still claim the words
are true but the enemy came to steal away God’s plan. I could be wrong, but I
don’t recall any of those ‘prophets’ claiming God ‘delayed’ His words, I just
heard a lot of backtracking and excuses.
There are many prophecies that
took hundreds of years to come to pass, there are some prophecies in the Bible
that have not happened yet but we are waiting for their fulfillment. God’s word
and plan are true, He will not give us a warning and then not fulfill it. Yes,
some may take some time but I for one don’t believe we have hundreds of years left
before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“…Write the vision; make it
plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits
its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems
slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2-3
ESV
I am not here to place doubt amongst
every person who hears from the Lord. God’s word tells us in Acts 2:17 (a quote
from Joel 2:28)
“In the last
days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and
daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will
dream dreams.”
I have received many words
from the Lord and plenty of warning dreams myself. God has appointed certain
people to be ‘watchmen on the wall’ and they have been given a critical task.
What happens if the watchman doesn’t sound the warning?
“But if the
watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the
people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that
person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the
watchman's hand.” Ezekiel 33:6
ESV
Watchmen not only need to
sound the warning God is giving but they need to be careful that what they hear
is directly from the Lord. Let’s look at a few “prophetic” words given for 2023
from multiple people.
- Justice is coming
- Reformation
- Death in the White House
- Marriages will align
- Increased finances/wealth transfers (I feel like this word is given by someone every year)
- Troubling situations will come to a head – addictions, families fighting against each other, political unrest, etc. (another word I hear every year)
- Resolution or exposure to false claims
- Revival (I hear this year after year)
- Divine surprises, revelation, and prevision for those that will receive it
- Refined and revived
- Arise
- Year of breakthrough and revival
- Year of anointing – the overflow of destiny, new territory, and paths
I could go on and on because there are so many people eagerly handing out prophetic words for 2023 (as they did in the past). The internet has allowed people to have a platform. I’m not saying any of these are right nor am I saying they are wrong. What I am trying to get across is we need to be careful in seeking prophetic words from people as a replacement for what the Lord wants to tell us personally. We need to ask ourselves:
Notice I use
the words ‘seek’ and ‘constant’. Do we look for the ‘words of the Lord’ from
people we don’t personally know before we seek the Lord ourselves?
Several items on the list
above were repeated by several people. I believe some of the items on the list God
meant for the person speaking, it was not meant to be shared with others. I also
believe some things on the list truly are words from the Lord. I also feel that
some people have received elevated notoriety in the past and could possibly be hearing
an unknown voice, yet they are unaware.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the
prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions
of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:16 ESV
Jeremiah was given the task of
a watchman, warning Jerusalem of their destruction due to their disobedience to
the Lord. Israel turned their backs on God and eagerly adopted the evils of
Baal, they were prideful, they worshipped idols, and they failed to observe God’s
feasts. These are just some of the reasons why God allowed Babylon to capture
Jerusalem.
The people of Israel did not
want to hear the words of Jeremiah because they went against their own agendas.
They persecuted Jeremiah and punished him because he spoke God’s truth and reprimanded
them, but they didn’t want to listen. Instead, the people of Jerusalem paid attention
to the multiple voices of ungodly priests and prophets that spoke words of prosperity
and blessings, and the Lord mourned because His sheep no longer recognized His
voice.
“Both
prophet and priest are ungodly; even in my house I have found their
evil, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:11 ESV
Listening to
prophetic words from people who claim to be prophets can be a tricky situation.
It is important to remember that not all prophets are of God, and it is up to
us to be wise and discerning when it comes to taking advice from someone who
claims to be a prophet. Those who truly hear from the Lord will encourage you
to seek the Lord about what they are saying. They tell you to pray about it and
see what the Lord says to you.
The most important
thing to remember is that you should never rely solely on someone
else's prophetic words. Instead, use it as a guide to help you better
understand the Word of God and to help you pray and seek God's guidance. It can
be dangerous to put your faith in a prophetic word that isn't from God, as it
can lead you down the wrong path.
Ultimately, the
best way to determine truth is to open the Bible and pray for God's guidance.
We must never forget that He is the one who knows our hearts and our paths
better than anyone else.
A great way to
start the New Year and increase your relationship with Jesus Christ is to start
a devotional practice. This could include reading a daily devotional, praying,
and journaling.
It’s also important to attend a Christ-centered church regularly, this means weekly services, Bible studies, and groups. If you currently don’t attend church or you are unsure which one to attend, here are some tips.
- Do some research on the church's beliefs and practices.
- Read their statements of faith.
- Look up the church's history.
- Talk to some of the members and leaders.
- Consider attending a few services to see if the teachings and activities align with the Bible.
- Look for signs that the church is actively involved in helping the local community and being a positive influence in society.
- Preaching and teachings are based on Biblical truths and are not society/culture pleasers.
- They preach Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected.
- They teach that there is a Heaven and Hell.
- Their focus is to help build up the kingdom of God.
Sheri Caruso is an Author, Public Speaker, and Women's
Ministry leader. She is the author of Sackcloth and Ashes
of the Heart
and People of Presence
Faith and Purpose.
Both books are available on Amazon.com.
Connect with Sheri on:
Comments
Post a Comment