How should believers respond when others claim divine authority without evidence? Setting the Scene: A False Claim of Divine Endorsement “Now, was it without the LORD that I have come up against this land to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’ ” (2 Kings 18:25) The Assyrian field commander (the Rabshakeh) boasted that Israel’s God had personally authorized Assyria’s invasion. He offered no proof—only intimidation. Hezekiah and his officials did not accept the claim. Their response teaches how believers today should react when anyone asserts divine authority without evidence. First Response: Recognize the Claim for What It Is • Identify unsubstantiated spiritual boasts. • Refuse to be rattled by confident-sounding words (cf. Isaiah 36:4–6). • Remember that sincerity or volume does not equal truth. Second Response: Measure Every Claim by God’s Written Word • God never contradicts Himself. If someone says, “The LORD told me,” Scripture is the measuring rod. • Deuteronomy 18:21–22—if what is prophesied fails, “the LORD has not spoken.” • Galatians 1:8—a messenger who preaches a different gospel is “accursed,” even if he claims angelic authority. • 1 John 4:1—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Third Response: Look for the Fruit of Authentic Revelation • Fulfillment of the claim (Deuteronomy 18:22). • Consistency with God’s character—upright, holy, merciful (Psalm 145:17). • Calls to repent and honor Christ, not elevate self (John 16:13–14). Fourth Response: Stand Firm in Faith, Not Fear • Hezekiah sought the LORD rather than negotiate with the boast (2 Kings 19:1). • God answered through Isaiah, vindicating His word and exposing Assyria’s presumption (2 Kings 19:6–7, 35). • Philippians 1:28—“in no way alarmed by your opponents.” Confidence in God unsettles false claimants. Practical Steps for Believers Today 1. Slow down—don’t accept any “word from God” at face value. 2. Search the Scriptures diligently, like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). 3. Seek wise, mature counsel (Proverbs 15:22). 4. Pray for discernment (James 1:5). 5. Wait for confirmation; truth stands the test of time (Proverbs 19:2). 6. If the claim is false, graciously yet firmly reject it and hold to God’s revealed Word. Encouragement to Conclude Stand where Hezekiah stood—confident that God speaks clearly in Scripture, cannot lie, and will vindicate His truth. False claims crumble; God’s Word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). |
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