A rich candidate from a political party that oppresses and spreads ill will against Christians gave a huge donation to a pastor in a city. The rich man sought the blessings and also asked the pastor to influence the Christian community to vote for him. So, he joyfully received the donation and pretended to be in a trance, prophesying that he would win the elections defeating other candidates from other parties. Interestingly, the unrighteous candidate did not win, even with the support of an unrighteous prophet. Balaam also was a ‘prophet for hire.’ He began as a good man, then went down seeking money, favor, and prestige, and miserably died. He received wages of unrighteousness. (II Peter 2:15-17)
Hired shepherds: The Lord Jesus Christ warned against the hired shepherds, who would run away or mislead and allow wolves to scatter the sheep. (John 10:12-14) Sadly, numerous hired pastors and prophets are willing to offer their spiritual services for a price. Judges dispense judgment for a bribe, Priests teach for a price, and prophets prophesy for money. (Micah 3:11) They were all serving mammon and not God. (Matthew 6:24-26)
Prophets on fire: At the same time there were godly, true, and righteous prophets. Elijah was not afraid to confront Ahab. He was a prophet of fire, God sent fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. (I Kings 18:1, 25-39) Nathan was not afraid to tell King David that he was an adulterer. (II Samuel 12:7) John the Baptist risking his life proclaimed Herod violated the Ten Commandments by committing adultery. (Mark 6:17-29)
Self-sent selfish prophets: God spoke to Jeremiah about the False prophets. “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds.” (Jeremiah 14:14) They use God’s name in vain and even prophesize in His name. The Lord will reject them in the ultimate judgment saying: “I Know you not.” (Matthew 7:22)
Do I protect myself from prophets for hire?