“Do not preach”—thus they preach— “one should not preach of such things; disgrace will not overtake us.”
Micah 2:6
When Micah spoke the Word of God, there were strong voices in the community that did not want to hear it.
The first marker of the false prophet is that he or she brings comfort to people who are still in their sins: “Micah, you talk about judgement from God. How can that be? We are the most blessed people on the face of the earth!” So, the false prophets brought an alternative message that proved to be very attractive to many people.
The second marker of the false prophet is that he or she deceives the complacent: “If a man should go about and utter wind and lies, saying, ‘I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,’ he would be the preacher for this people!” (2:11).
Many people today are looking for religious leaders who will enjoy a pint of beer and not talk too much about God. Many are looking for a minister who will run the public services—baptisms, weddings, and funerals—and who will affirm us all on our pathway through life but won’t disturb our way of life by talking about God. And, under no circumstances, would he or she ever suggest that there might be something we need to deal with before God.
While God speaks about judgement and salvation, the false prophet comforts the wicked (2:6) and deceives the complacent (2:11). The voice of the false prophet can be clearly heard around our country today. But the tragedy of the false prophet is that he actually leads you away from God.
Ask God to deliver you from the seductive lies of false prophets.
