BALAAM and THE PROPHETIC MOVEMENT
by Terry Somerville
"Stop believing every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether
they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out
into the world." (I John 4:1)
I stopped reading the prophetic bulletins and websites several
years ago. I found many of them did not "taste right", and I didn't
know why. But, I still have one or two in the in box every week
and I've watched the trends, and there are two trends that should
concern all of us. We may not have noticed them because, like
the "frog in the kettle" we adjust to the rising heat and don't realize
we are slowly cooking to death. The scripture warns us about two
dangers for prophets. One warning is about the "spirit of Antichrist"
and the other is what I could call "the spirit of Balaam".
Now, I'm not saying God is not powerfully working in the prophetic
movement. We are seeing a great transition from a church focus
to a Kingdom focus, and the Lord is using many prophets to help
usher this in. I've been a part of it myself. But this also means we
are more vulnerable as we press into new times and seasons.
The Spirit of Antichrist Slips In
"But every spirit who does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.
This is the spirit of the Antichrist. You have heard that he is
coming, and now he is already in the world." (I John 4:3)
The word "Anti-Christ" does not mean "against" Christ, as it would
in English. The Greek word actually means a replacement, or
"instead of" Christ. Christ means "the anointed one". The reason
John warns the church about the spirit of Antichrist is NOT that a
prophet comes speaking against Jesus, but that their attention is
taken away from Him. Instead, it is given to a man, a doctrine or
to something else that is anointed.
When something subtly replaces Jesus Christ as the focus, it is
the spirit of Antichrist at work. In todays prophetic movement, it
seems the attention has moved away from Jesus. The focus on
signs and manifestations is increasing, and the signs are getting
stranger. The appearances of angels, (which is biblical), has given
way to gold dust, falling feathers and gemstones, glowing orbs
and...whatever. A large proportion of the prophetic words now
focus on the signs and the glory that's coming. Does it sound like
it's all going in one direction?
I'm not saying there are not signs from God in the prophetic
movement, but you can read hundreds of these prophecies and
there's hardly a reference to Jesus. Also, the fruit of these signs
and wonders seem to point only to themselves, personalities and
meetings. We aught to be concerned that the spirit of antichrist is
subtly at work, changing the temperature, and replacing Christ."
Remember, John didn't say a spirit or prophecy would speak
against Jesus. Jesus is simply being replaced by a different focus.
A new love develops in the heart. We are in danger of the spirit of
Antichrist becoming well mixed into the prophetic movement. It's
time for Jesus to once again be the main focus.
The Spirit Of Balaam Takes Over
"How terrible it will be for them! For they... rushed headlong into
Balaam's error to make a profit, and destroyed themselves" (Jude 1:11)
In Numbers 22, Balaam appears to be a genuine prophet who
gives the word of the Lord concerning Israel. But, he was greedy
for King Balaak's reward and so he caused Israel to sin and be
defeated. (See Numbers 31:16)
The "spirit of Balaam" as I have called it, is at work when the love
of money overtakes a prophet. As with "the spirit of Antichrist,
this Balaam spirit is subtle. A prophet could easily resist outright
greed, but when expenses or financial gain is a possibility, the
Balaam spirit moves in. If success and recognition comes, the
desire for riches can become a very real problem. Today, there
are serious indications that the "spirit of Balaam" has entered the
house of the prophets.
Psychic Chat Lines Move Over
I just visited one of the most popular prophetic websites and I was
astonished. The sale of "prophetic product" has truly reached an
all time high. In fact it's taken over and the pages are jammed.
Most of the links are about books, and quotes of prophets
recommending them. I had trouble finding any ministry. When I
finally clicked on some teaching and prophetic words. I got a few
sentences then a "click here to buy" link! I needed to pay $3.00
to download the prophetic word. God help us! Are the prophets
selling out to greed? Whatever happened to Jesus command
"freely you have received, freely give." It's merchandise in the temple.
"Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling
around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8)
Conclusion
"The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach
for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet they lean
upon Jehovah, and say, Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? no evil
shall come upon us." (Micah 3:11)
PROPHETS WAKE UP! The word of God has a multitude of
scriptures about corrupted prophets. Satan wants to derail this
generation from entering the Kingdom, and will replace our focus
on Jesus with anything that works. But the Lord has given us the
tools to stay on track. It's time for us to use them, especially in
the prophetic movement. As the Kingdom of God draws near we
need to be wise.
~Terry Somerville
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