Imitation or Genuine?

Zedekiah understood what it meant to be a prophet. He knew the vocabulary and how to deliver prophecies. In similar ways, others also thought they were prophets.

When Zedekiah spoke to the kings of Israel and Judah, he did all the expected things, appearing to be genuine. But King Jehoshaphat wasn’t convinced. He decided to summon another prophet, Micaiah.

Micaiah revealed that he had seen a vision of “the Lord sitting on His throne” (v. 19). The Lord asked, “Who will entice Ahab?” (v. 20). One spirit said that he would be “a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all his prophets” (v. 22).

Zedekiah reacted angrily, but Micaiah knew he had heard from God. His words were proven true, and Zedekiah was proven to be a false prophet.

Many people say that they understand the issues of our time and know the answers. The opinions of celebrities and politicians can seem so convincing! It’s easy to believe what’s presented in the media. If we don’t have discernment, we can be deceived. This is why we must be grounded in God’s Word.

Make sure you don’t believe everything you hear, even if it sounds convincing. Live according to God’s timeless Word. Let it be your guide and standard. Be filled with the Spirit, and become more sensitive to His guidance. Commit all your decisions to God. Let Him show you what’s genuine and what’s imitation.