Who are we listening to when it comes to ingesting spiritual truth? It's an important question, and an issue that has a lot to do with discernment. I want to begin by quoting Scripture from the book of Hebrews. Chapter 1:1-2 says, "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe."
We know from the books of the Old Testament that God did reveal Himself and His instructions to the minor and major prophets of the time. Take for example the books of Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Jonah. All of these historical accounts contain depictions of the Lord informing His followers what to do in order to stay connected to Himself. Most of the time, the stories follow an arc that goes something like this: God warns Israel to repent or face judgement, Israel may or may not listen, and then God follows through. It's a lot like how a loving parent disciplines their child. Sometimes the kids listen, but often they don't. When the Israelites did listen, God relented from the chastisement. When they didn't ... punishment eventually followed.
In the later days, Jesus became the vehicle for God's atonement and grace. We know the story well. Christ endured horrific punishment, died for our sins on the cross, and then rose again to bridge the gap between a sinful people and a Holy being. This offer of love and forgiveness still stands today.
Notice what Hebrews says in particular - Christ serves as God's mouthpiece for us today. Where God spoke through prophets in the past, He later sent His son to grant us revelation through the recorded parables of the Bible. This is what we read today, and what we discuss in churches two-thousand years later. It's quite an amazing feat, I must confess my amazement every time I think about it. A narrative written so seamlessly over the span of thousands of years; and it all flows together so well.
Now please understand that I am not a cessationist. In other words, I do not believe that all supernatural miracles and events ended with Jesus and the apostles, never to occur again. I think that through prayer and fasting, God heals people and grants miracles even today. Scripture says that believers will go on to do "even greater things" in the eras following the Resurrection.
But I do want to offer a warning for Christians in the present time. Our current technology has made it increasingly convenient to spread ideas and discuss important concepts. Religious discussions are no different. Most of the time, I'm fully on board with this reality. The Internet is a great way to bridge the generational gap, as well as transcend the physical boundaries of geography. But it also allows for a new fad that I refer to as the Modern Day Prophet. Essentially, this is a group of people on YouTube or some other facet of the Internet, who set themselves up as God's mouthpieces. They provide hours and hours of instruction and guidance to a multitude of vulnerable listeners. But it remains to be seen whether or not it is good guidance. Often it isn't.
You will hear them say things like, "The Lord spoke to me in a dream last night, and this is what He wants us to do." Or perhaps something such as, "God showed me what is going to happen next month." The wording can differ, but you get the idea.
The consequences are real for following false prophets and false teachers. Many have lost their retirement savings as a result of listening to these people. And some have even lost their lives.
I believe that this is where we need to be really careful, and listen with ears to hear. Jesus is God come in the flesh, for whom it has been appointed heir of all things (the Alpha and the Omega). His red letter words in the Bible are the ones we need to be listening to on a regular basis. This isn't to say that people today cannot be in spiritual communion with the Lord, or that they never have legitimate visions - but when they claim to be speaking on behalf of God, things can become problematic quickly.
Remember also that Scripture says if a self-proclaimed prophet gets even one prediction incorrect, then they aren't a prophet of God. This is common when it comes to the so-called modern prophets of our day. They tend to excuse or explain away situations where whatever it is they predicted didn't come to pass. It happens with such frequency that it is almost laughable. This means that they are playing a different kind of game, one in which good people can be led astray. Instead, turn your time and attention toward the Bible and Godly pastors who are willing to preach the truth. This type of spiritual leader is becoming more and more rare, so if you find one, hang on to them for dear life. Our salvation can depend on it.
Elsewhere in Hebrews it says, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Many Bible scholars refer to this passage - and many like it - as a foreshadowing of the Messiah. In the same way that this specific order of priesthood was eternal, so Jesus is the eternal savior. If he can save someone back then - he can save you and I today. It's a promise that never expires.
It is always better to seek counsel through Scripture than through one of the talking heads on television or YouTube. Things tend to go better that way for everyone involved.
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