Deuteronomy 18:15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.

I think the reason this verse is widely seen as Messianic is that many of the Jews of Jesus’ day thought it was. (John 6:14, 7:40) However, there seem to be a number of problems to that, especially the fact that there have been so many genuine prophets over the years. The biggest thing in favor of it being Messianic is exactly the fact that the case here is singular. However, the Messiah would certainly not say anything that wasn’t true, or in the name of other gods, and those are the tests mentioned in the following verses. The point of the passage as a whole seems to be the difference between Biblical prophecy and sorcery or divination, mentioned in the previous verse. Sorcery and divination are both efforts by people to control things in the spirit realm, whereas Biblical prophecy is God speaking through people. Paul encourages us to prophesy, (1 Corinthians 14:1) but the emphasis is on God and what He wants to say, rather than on people controlling other people – and attempting to control God. Sadly, too much of that latter, counterfeit “prophecy” goes on today, even in the Church. Ever since Pentecost we have had the huge advantage of the Holy Spirit to let us know whether a message is from God or not, but we have to be in tune with Him to hear Him correctly. In New Testament terms, a person can speak a genuine Word from God and then try to pass their own thinking off as something God is saying, and that is dangerous indeed. Humility and commitment are called for in everyone.

I have been used in prophecy many times over the years, though my office is not that of Prophet. (Ephesians 4:11) I have experienced a few times (definitely a few times too many) continuing to talk when the Holy Spirit stopped talking. That feels horrible, and the results are never good. One time, after I had experienced that and didn’t want to repeat it, I was giving a Word in a church service and it seemed like the Holy Spirit stopped in the middle of a sentence, so I shut up. Someone on the other side of the sanctuary picked it up without missing a beat, and it was obvious that it was the Holy Spirit speaking through people. To be honest, I don’t remember what the Word was, but the experience itself was very valuable. I have also experienced interpreting for a brother from India in a large meeting, and people afterward said that it was like hearing one Person speaking through two mouths. I cannot control how God is going to use me, and I don’t want to try. However, I can and should hold myself available for whatever He wants to say or do through me, whenever or however He wants to do so.

Father, thank You for the privilege of being Your agent in various ways. Help me encourage the believers to expect You to use them as well, so that together we may demonstrate Christ to the people of this city, drawing them to repentance and faith, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!