Please remember that we are gathering this evening to read chapters 13-15 of Ezekiel. Last week we looked at the idolatry rampant in Jerusalem during the time of Ezekiel, and his vision of the glory of the Lord leaving the temple and coming to those in exile by the River Chebar in Babylon. This week we are looking at Ezekiel’s specific condemnation of false prophets and false leaders of the community, and how their errant leadership affects the community. Below is Jesus’ conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount where he too addresses false prophets. As you review the material think about those in our own day who likewise claim to speak on behalf of God and how we are to discern between the false prophet and the person who is truly from God.
I have attached an outline of our study of Ezekiel so you can read ahead. We are not reading through all 48 chapters of Ezekiel, but I would encourage you to do so on your own. Dinner this week is chicken mole with coriander rice. Please bring a friend or neighbor with you. We hope to see you here.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Matthew 7:15-23, 28-29