Read Ezekiel 13:17-23
In case you were wondering, Ezekiel’s visions clear it up. Women can also be false prophets. From God’s message to them, it appears they are more into the magic and fortune telling gigs. It is easier to picture women sitting behind a crystal ball or a stack of tarot cards, isn’t it?
God isn’t pleased with this sort of activity at all. From God’s perspective, he sees how these female false prophets are ensnaring the innocent for destruction and empowering the guilty. In the end, God’s wrath will be known to all who are apart from God.
Have you ever dabbled in magic charms or fortune telling? These activities are more embedded in some cultures, but more and more I see such being “glorified” closer to home. In movies and mainstream media, there’s almost an acceptance of such practices. Certainly the curiosity is there. Just one more example of false prophets in our midst.
These women prophets apparently are quite imaginative. They spoke from their own heart, not words from the LORD. That’s what distinguishes a false prophet from a true prophet of God. Such thoughts could be dangerous.
God was serious when he warned people about these fake prophetesses. Clearly he thought them to be dangerous, and their work was not innocent or harmless. Many times people think that reading their horoscopes or listening to a fortune teller is simply harmless. We should take heed to the LORD’s counsel here. The evil one can use any opening or weakness to enter into our hearts and minds.
Anytime the LORD is “shamed” our hearts should break. For me, I even wince when people take the LORD’s name in vain and use it as an exclamation of disgust or unwelcome surprise. How can we protect ourselves from such temptation? The promise is here, and the LORD says, “I will tear them from your arms, setting my people free like birds set free from a cage.”
Don’t think that God’s messages to Ezekiel don’t apply to us today. Any time God speaks, we should be listening. Ask yourself, “what does God want to tell me in this passage?” Sit with that question a bit today.
Let’s pray. Oh LORD, you are good. Using the words of the apostle Paul I declare, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” I may not understand everything but help me to trust you in all things. I know you have my best interests in mind, and I thank you for how you protect me and speak to my heart. May I never fall pray to the false prophets of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
