43. Beware of false prophets

Last week we saw how David had to flee from his own son, Absalom, who wanted to overthrow him as king over Israel. David had to flee Jerusalem, he and many of his friends and allies. David was barefoot, walking with his head covered. It was indeed a low point in his life. But despite all this, he still honored God, he still gave himself into His capable hands to do with him as He deems fit. It is truly wonderful to see and a lesson for all of us to learn.

Poor David was on the run from his son, Absalom. And in the process he was slandered too. Shimei came while David was fleeing Jerusalem. He was family from the house of Saul. He cursed David and threw stones at David and his men. He said the following, whilst cursing and throwing stones:

"The Lord has brought upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the Lord has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom, your son. So now you are caught in your own evil, because you are a bloodthirsty man!" 2 Samuel 16:8

Shimei really slandered poor David, and at a time where he was truly down and out. And to make matters worse, he used the Name of the Lord. He spoke as if God gave him this revelation to give to David. Now because we know David's life, we know that what he is saying is not true. First of all God gave Saul's kingdom to David, David didn't forcefully take it. Secondly, David didn't kill Saul and his family, the Philistines and criminals did. And thirdly, God never chose Absalom to be king, he exalted himself.

David's men wanted to kill Shimei for doing this, but David didn't allow them. He once again left it in the hands of the Lord to deal with Shimei.

"It may be that the Lord will look upon my affliction and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day." 2 Samuel 16:12

And indeed the Lord did. At the end of the day, David told Solomon to act according to his wisdom to deal with Shimei when he was king. So Solomon called Shimei and told him to live in Jerusalem, but if he ever left the walls of the city, he would be killed. Sure enough three years later, he left the sanctuary of Jerusalem in search of two of his slaves that ran away. Solomon heard of it and had Shimei executed. God vindicated David for all Shimei did to him.

Today we may also encounter people coming to us in the Name of the Lord. They may share things with us that they say is from the Lord. But be careful, they could be a Shimei, especially if it is negative words coming out of their mouths towards you. God will always confirm His Word to you, always. He will speak with you personally, and He will send people to you, and He will speak through His Word. It will most certainly come from various places. His words towards you will be confirmed, it always is. So if you hear the same message from various people, then you should maybe listen, but if one person comes in the Name of the Lord, it might be a Shimei.

Secondly prophecy in the New Testament is always there to build you up and not to break you down:

"But he who prophecies speaks edification and comfort to men. He who speaks in tongues edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church." 1 Corinthians 14:3,4

Prophecy is there to build one up, to bring comfort to you and not to break you down. I have given prophetic word to many many people over the past couple of years and it has always, without exception been uplifting. God sees us as who we are in His Son, He sees who we can become in the natural. He sees our potential and wants to build us up to reach our fullest potential and be the best that we can be. God will never break you down and give negative prophetic word to you, never. In the Old Testament He had to warn Israel of upcoming judgment because they didn't follow Him. But today, due to Jesus' death, judgment is not coming our way anymore. God wants to build His church and lift us higher. Yes, if you are doing things that are contrary to His will, like adultery for example, the church might come to reprimand you for your wrong doing, but that is not prophetic word, that is straightforward discipline. Prophetic word is always uplifting, inspiring us to be better and to be lifted higher.

Father, thank you for speaking to us through various sources. It is so wonderful to know that You speak to us today, loud and clear. You are so amazing, so special and we love You dearly. Help us to hear only Your voice and not the voice of false prophets dragging us down. Amen

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