Saturday 6th September
Read Deuteronomy 18:19-20
“I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. 20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.’” (NIVUK)
It is good that the people feared God and asked for someone to stand in the breach to deliver God’s word to them. However the words remain God’s words and the commands are to be understood as if they were spoken directly by Him. Although the words are delivered by ‘one like them’, human in every way, those words can never be discounted because of their humble source.
Equally, the high standard the word of the prophet demands of the hearers, means that the consequences for the prophet are life and death. Humility must mark their speech. Pride and presumption have no place. The temptation to be treated with such importance and command such obedience is one that very few can safely bear.
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” (James 3:1-2) (NIVUK)
