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To: Those That Have Ears To Hear
Because of free will, you are under no obligation to read my posts. The following is very, very long; mostly the result of internet research, it is only targeted at those who have ears to hear. Therefore, if you're only reading to disprove, that's a combative Pharisee spirit, which I evoke my right to reject.
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Question: Did people in the Bible often embrace false prophets instead of receiving God's true prophets?
Yes, historically, many people have embraced false prophets, and this has occurred repeatedly throughout history, not just in ancient times. The Bible and other historical accounts document people being misled by charismatic figures who preach falsehoods, often with devastating consequences.
Multiple factors, including human psychology and desires, explain this enduring phenomenon.
Because of free will, you are under no obligation to read my posts. The following is very, very long; mostly the result of internet research, it is only targeted at those who have ears to hear. Therefore, if you're only reading to disprove, that's a combative Pharisee spirit, which I evoke my right to reject.
_______________________________
Question: Did people in the Bible often embrace false prophets instead of receiving God's true prophets?
Yes, historically, many people have embraced false prophets, and this has occurred repeatedly throughout history, not just in ancient times. The Bible and other historical accounts document people being misled by charismatic figures who preach falsehoods, often with devastating consequences.
Multiple factors, including human psychology and desires, explain this enduring phenomenon.
Psychological and Social Factors
Confirmation bias: People are naturally drawn to ideas that confirm their existing beliefs or desires. False prophets often succeed by telling people what they want to hear, rather than challenging them with an uncomfortable truth.
The promise of an easy, guilt-free life: Some people follow false prophets because they "widen the narrow path" set by legitimate religious teachings, offering an easier spiritual experience with fewer rules or calls to repentance. This message of unearned blessing is attractive to many.
Charisma: False prophets are often gifted communicators with strong, engaging personalities. Their captivating presence can be more compelling than the message itself, drawing followers in with charm and emotion.
Sense of belonging: False prophets create a strong "in-group" mentality that can make followers feel like they are part of a special, unified family. This sense of belonging is a powerful psychological incentive that can blind people to the group's flaws and isolationist tendencies.
Lack of critical knowledge: Many followers do not possess a deep personal knowledge of their theology or scripture. This makes them vulnerable to manipulation because they rely entirely on the leader's interpretation, rather than verifying it for themselves.
Exploitation of vulnerability and fear: False prophets frequently prey on people during times of fear, uncertainty, and hardship. Often using a "warrior" strategy, they instill a false sense of hope.
The promise of an easy, guilt-free life: Some people follow false prophets because they "widen the narrow path" set by legitimate religious teachings, offering an easier spiritual experience with fewer rules or calls to repentance. This message of unearned blessing is attractive to many.
Charisma: False prophets are often gifted communicators with strong, engaging personalities. Their captivating presence can be more compelling than the message itself, drawing followers in with charm and emotion.
Sense of belonging: False prophets create a strong "in-group" mentality that can make followers feel like they are part of a special, unified family. This sense of belonging is a powerful psychological incentive that can blind people to the group's flaws and isolationist tendencies.
Lack of critical knowledge: Many followers do not possess a deep personal knowledge of their theology or scripture. This makes them vulnerable to manipulation because they rely entirely on the leader's interpretation, rather than verifying it for themselves.
Exploitation of vulnerability and fear: False prophets frequently prey on people during times of fear, uncertainty, and hardship. Often using a "warrior" strategy, they instill a false sense of hope.
Examples From Ancient History
Biblical history records that while God's prophets were usually sent forth alone, there were almost always more than one false prophet that led the opposition against them. Even Jesus, depicting their multitude, not only called false prophets, "brood of vipers"; He also referred to them as "wolves in sheep's clothing": wolves travel in packs.
The Prophets of Ahab: The Old Testament recounts how King Ahab and his people were easily and willingly convinced by 400 false prophets who promised victory in an upcoming battle. Their message of success was more popular than the message from God's single true prophet Micaiah, who warned of disaster.
False prophets in Judah: Leading up to the Babylonian invasion, the people of Judah and their leadership embraced false prophets who told them "peace" was coming. The populace preferred this comforting lie to the grim truth delivered by the prophet Jeremiah, which left them unprepared for the consequences of their actions.
First-century false messiahs: The first-century Jewish historian Josephus, in addition to New Testament accounts, documented multiple false messiahs and prophets. These figures gained followings by promising political salvation from Roman rule. One such figure, Judah the Galilean, led an uprising by telling Jews it was shameful to pay tribute to mortal rulers.
The Prophets of Ahab: The Old Testament recounts how King Ahab and his people were easily and willingly convinced by 400 false prophets who promised victory in an upcoming battle. Their message of success was more popular than the message from God's single true prophet Micaiah, who warned of disaster.
False prophets in Judah: Leading up to the Babylonian invasion, the people of Judah and their leadership embraced false prophets who told them "peace" was coming. The populace preferred this comforting lie to the grim truth delivered by the prophet Jeremiah, which left them unprepared for the consequences of their actions.
First-century false messiahs: The first-century Jewish historian Josephus, in addition to New Testament accounts, documented multiple false messiahs and prophets. These figures gained followings by promising political salvation from Roman rule. One such figure, Judah the Galilean, led an uprising by telling Jews it was shameful to pay tribute to mortal rulers.
Examples from early Christianity
"Savage wolves" within the flock: The Apostle Paul warned the church that "savage wolves" would arise from within the Christian community, disguised as believers, to lead people astray with "perverse things".
Prophets in sheep's clothing: Jesus famously warned his followers to "beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves". This metaphor illustrates the deceptive nature of these figures, who appear harmless and trustworthy but intend to deceive and exploit.
The Lying Spirit Which Deceived Ahab:
1 Kings 22 records a very strange incident. Ahab wanted to go to battle in Ramot Gilad and all his prophets predicted he would have glowing success. But God's prophet, Micaiah warned Ahab that there would be devastating defeat. Ahab chose to listen to the false prophet and went into battle. His defeat was devastating for all of Israel.
1 Kings 18:19 - Ahab brought forth 450 Baal prophets, together with 400 prophets of Asherah, there were about 850 false prophets that showed up at Mount Carmel to match wits and power with Elijah. Evil kings hated God's prophets because they spoke against sin and idolatry and undermined their control over the people. With the wicked kings' backing, many pagan prophets sprang up to counter the words of God's prophets. But Elijah showed the people that speaking a prophecy wasn't enough. One needed the power of the living God to fulfill it. While the multitude of false prophets were often embraced; neither Elijah, nor any of God's other prophets were readily embraced.
Just because a group of people are with one accord doesn't mean that God is pleased with their unified effort. For even an occult is with one accord. Rather than waiting on God's instructions through Moses, they grew impatient and rebelled. Yes, even God's chosen, "the children of Israel", together with Aaron, exhibited occult behavior. Being all together in contributing to the building of their golden calf, they placed trust in the inanimateness of an idol instead of God. They were all in unison in their devotion to their ritualistic worship. It was because of their BEHAVIOR, which stemmed from impatience; along with Moses' anger in striking the rock, to force water from the vessel of blessing, that neither they, nor Aaron or Moses (their leaders), were allowed to enter into promise. But rather, it was Joshua, the one clad in dirty clothes, whom God allowed to lead the next generation of Israelites into the promised land. Because, though filthy in appearance, Joshua, though attacked on every side, being filled with the Holy Spirit, remained faithful to God's instructions and undeterred by the circumstances around about him. The Bible says, "Joshua wholly followed the LORD." Thank You LORD.
This is especially for all city's spiritual leaders. Any deviation from God's instruction can be costly. Whether your calf is golden or gray and black, it's still idolatry. Even if your colors are intended to represent some sort of unified repentance, God does not want a mere outward show of repentance of sackcloth and ashes; instead, He demands a genuine, inner change of heart and action. Penitence is about doing justice and acting with kindness, not just wearing a symbol of sorrow.
Summary: So why do people choose to be led by false prophets? They may provide a sense of family and belonging to a group. They have strong charisma and may spend a lot of time touting their works, rather than acknowledging the works of the LORD. There is always a market for false prophets because people don't want to hear the truth; nor are they willing to devote the time necessary to know and understand the LORD through scripture. False teaching usually comes from the mouth of a gifted communicator, often someone engaging and entertaining: often complimented for having a "great personality." Their message will make you feel good. Though this city is not ready for the summation of my assignment, especially as it relates to sports, it is soon to come. I must follow God's timing.
My hometown's behavior has long surpassed embarrassing.
1 Samuel 15:23[a] (NLT)
Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
Stop attacking this vessel. Your attacks have prospered you nothing; but, will inevitably cost you everything.
Recommended Reading: Isaiah 58; and, along side that, Matthew 5:23-24
```Prophets in sheep's clothing: Jesus famously warned his followers to "beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves". This metaphor illustrates the deceptive nature of these figures, who appear harmless and trustworthy but intend to deceive and exploit.
The Lying Spirit Which Deceived Ahab:
1 Kings 22 records a very strange incident. Ahab wanted to go to battle in Ramot Gilad and all his prophets predicted he would have glowing success. But God's prophet, Micaiah warned Ahab that there would be devastating defeat. Ahab chose to listen to the false prophet and went into battle. His defeat was devastating for all of Israel.
1 Kings 18:19 - Ahab brought forth 450 Baal prophets, together with 400 prophets of Asherah, there were about 850 false prophets that showed up at Mount Carmel to match wits and power with Elijah. Evil kings hated God's prophets because they spoke against sin and idolatry and undermined their control over the people. With the wicked kings' backing, many pagan prophets sprang up to counter the words of God's prophets. But Elijah showed the people that speaking a prophecy wasn't enough. One needed the power of the living God to fulfill it. While the multitude of false prophets were often embraced; neither Elijah, nor any of God's other prophets were readily embraced.
Just because a group of people are with one accord doesn't mean that God is pleased with their unified effort. For even an occult is with one accord. Rather than waiting on God's instructions through Moses, they grew impatient and rebelled. Yes, even God's chosen, "the children of Israel", together with Aaron, exhibited occult behavior. Being all together in contributing to the building of their golden calf, they placed trust in the inanimateness of an idol instead of God. They were all in unison in their devotion to their ritualistic worship. It was because of their BEHAVIOR, which stemmed from impatience; along with Moses' anger in striking the rock, to force water from the vessel of blessing, that neither they, nor Aaron or Moses (their leaders), were allowed to enter into promise. But rather, it was Joshua, the one clad in dirty clothes, whom God allowed to lead the next generation of Israelites into the promised land. Because, though filthy in appearance, Joshua, though attacked on every side, being filled with the Holy Spirit, remained faithful to God's instructions and undeterred by the circumstances around about him. The Bible says, "Joshua wholly followed the LORD." Thank You LORD.
This is especially for all city's spiritual leaders. Any deviation from God's instruction can be costly. Whether your calf is golden or gray and black, it's still idolatry. Even if your colors are intended to represent some sort of unified repentance, God does not want a mere outward show of repentance of sackcloth and ashes; instead, He demands a genuine, inner change of heart and action. Penitence is about doing justice and acting with kindness, not just wearing a symbol of sorrow.
Summary: So why do people choose to be led by false prophets? They may provide a sense of family and belonging to a group. They have strong charisma and may spend a lot of time touting their works, rather than acknowledging the works of the LORD. There is always a market for false prophets because people don't want to hear the truth; nor are they willing to devote the time necessary to know and understand the LORD through scripture. False teaching usually comes from the mouth of a gifted communicator, often someone engaging and entertaining: often complimented for having a "great personality." Their message will make you feel good. Though this city is not ready for the summation of my assignment, especially as it relates to sports, it is soon to come. I must follow God's timing.
My hometown's behavior has long surpassed embarrassing.
1 Samuel 15:23[a] (NLT)
Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
Stop attacking this vessel. Your attacks have prospered you nothing; but, will inevitably cost you everything.
Recommended Reading: Isaiah 58; and, along side that, Matthew 5:23-24
