The Hallmarks of True Prophecy

Messengers work at the pleasure of their bosses. Their bosses don’t work at their pleasure. A prophet of God is God’s messenger. The devil also has his messengers, but they don’t want to be known as such. They want to be known as God’s messengers. So how can you tell them apart? In The Bible, true prophets waited for God to give them utterances before they spoke. In Numbers 23:3 we read “Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your offering while I go aside. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me I will tell you.” Notice that Balaam could only wait for God. However, today,  some persons summon up the ‘prophet’ spirit at will, there is no “perhaps” with them. There is a subtle difference here. God’s spirit will summon a true prophet while pretenders summon up the spirit that moves them at will. Also, true prophecy is projected at the future because only God knows the future “Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times”-Matthew 26:34. This is different from these characters who mesmerize the undiscerning by telling them about their pasts which any familiar spirit can do. Again, true prophecy is specific and gives clarity. On the other hand, the enemy’s counterfeit is obscure and makes you suspicious of those closest to you. Finally, from Elijah, Elisha, Daniel and to John the Revelator, true prophets don’t demand for monetary favors for their prophecy. Not so with these fellows. Whether directly or indirectly, they find a way to demand money for their services. Him that has ears let him hear!