Shakespeare Muzavazi
It never rains but it pours for the Zimbabwean populace who have now turned to prophesy, mostly to find a panacea for their economic glitches.
One wonders and ponders if it has come to their attention that, some man of cloth whom they turn to for divine intervention are wolves in sheep’s clothing.
For quite some time, people have denounced a variety of false and self-appointed prophets. Of course, that does not mean that God has not called anyone to be a prophet in this 21st century, just that many false prophets live side by side with the true men of God.
How can one discern the impostor from the true servant of God? The answer will probably be quite surprising to many people because they are using an unscriptural basis for evaluation.
God fore knew that His people would have trouble identifying true and false prophets. To correct this error, God said to Israel in Deuteronomy 18:21-22: And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken? When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”
From the above can we claim that Chivasa is a true prophet because his prophecies are reported to have come to pass?
Furthermore, Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 that; “Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” Those claiming to receive dreams or visions from God are not to be revered, quoted as an authority, or worshiped.
From Paul’s revelation the Christian community must not worship the man of God but glorify Jehovah. Today’s Christians worship their prophets; they treat them like heavenly authorities, is Jehovah happy about the idolization of prophets? That’s food for thought.
The Word of God is to be exalted not the prophet. The lives of prophets should also be examined. Speaking of prophets, Jesus said, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:19-20)
The bible says by their fruits you will recognize them, does that mean if Magaya is convicted for rape charges he ceases to be a true man of God. A vine cannot produce thorns, can a true prophet be a rapist, and these are the questions that cannot be answered but can only be debated about.
Jesus said that false prophets can perform great signs and miracles, so we know that displays or manifestations of supernatural power do not necessarily mean that God has sent a prophet. Revelation 13:13-14 reads that; “And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. So, the ability to perform miracles does not prove that a prophet is sent from God.
If false prophets can also perform great signs and miracles one can question the controversial three day miracle baby by Makandiwa, but alas true prophets can also perform the same miracle. Then what shall we do? We must ask for the spirit of discernment from Jehovah.
When Jehovah sends a message to people, His word cut like a double-edged sword. God condemns sin and exposes error. So, the message of a true prophet is usually hated, and historically, the life span of a true prophet is short and painful.
From the above scriptural references one is poised to question whether the prophets of this hour condemn sin in their prophecies. What one is most likely to hear when they attend Chivasa, Makandiwa and Magaya’s sermons is the gospel of prosperity. When will the prophets of the 21st century name and shame the devils work of sin? Only time will tell.
In closing, true prophets are ordinary people having an extraordinary job to do. Each time a prophet claims to reveal something from God, that claim has to be verified. If the claim is found to be in harmony with Scripture, then a clearer understanding of Scripture will unfold and the body of Christ will be blessed. Otherwise, I hope you will have nothing to do with the subtle lies of a false prophet
