Connect Isaiah 41:23 with Deuteronomy 18:21-22 on identifying true prophets. The Setting: Two Voices on One Test “Now if you say in your heart, ‘How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?’ — when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously; do not be afraid of him.” • Isaiah 41:23: “Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something—good or bad—so that we may be dismayed and fear.” Both passages revolve around one core idea: authentic prophecy must accurately reveal and fulfill future events, showing that the speaker truly represents the living God. Deuteronomy’s Clear Benchmark • Purpose: Protect Israel from deception as they enter the land (cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-5). • Criterion: – Accuracy—“does not come to pass” exposes a false claim. – Alignment—spoken “in the name of the LORD.” • Consequence: A presumptuous prophet loses credibility and must be rejected. Isaiah’s Divine Challenge • Context: God contrasts Himself with idols. • Challenge: “Tell us … do something.” Only the true God can foretell and fulfill. • Implication: If idols (or any self-proclaimed prophets) cannot meet the challenge, they are powerless (Isaiah 41:24). Shared Principles • Foreknowledge belongs to God alone (Isaiah 46:9-10). • A genuine prophet borrows that foreknowledge under God’s authority. • Failed prediction = false prophet; accurate prediction = divine validation. Practical Takeaways for Today • Measure every prophetic claim by completed fulfillment. • Look for perfect accuracy, not partial or approximate success (Jeremiah 28:9). • Confirm consistency with prior revelation—God never contradicts Himself (Galatians 1:8). • Reject fear of exposed pretenders—“do not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:22). Key Supporting Passages • 1 Samuel 3:19—Samuel’s words “did not fall to the ground.” • Ezekiel 33:33—“When it comes to pass … they will know a prophet has been among them.” • Matthew 24:25—Jesus: “See, I have told you beforehand.” • Acts 3:18—God “foretold through all the prophets … thus fulfilled.” |
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