Discerning False Shepherds

Before we discuss False Shepherds, let’s look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:6. "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

There is an offense that is taking place in the body of Christ. Men and women claiming to be anointed, bearing the titles of Reverend, Bishop, Apostle, Prophet . . . are in truth seeking to exalt themselves at the expense of God’s sheep. They pose as God’s messengers, but are in truth ravenous wolves whose false teachings abuse and hurt the innocent. These walking wounded become discouraged and sometimes blame God for their hurt. Some even in deep depression because of the betrayal choose the path of suicide.

Anyone who dares to confront these pretenders are accused of having the “Spirit of Jezebel.” They are threatened that if they don’t stop speaking against God’s anointed, they will incur God’s wrath. They employ such abusive and deceptive tactics, putting on a show of piety, when in fact they have an insatiable appetite to feed their ego and wallets while leaving the flock of God in a state of famine.

God renders his verdict in Ezekiel 34:10 by saying, “I am against the shepherds: and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves anymore; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.”

God has specific names for these false shepherds. Open your Bible and read His description of them. Her refers to them as:

Beasts of the field and forest - Isaiah 56:9-11

Cloud without water - Jude 12

Raging Waves - Jude 13

Trees without Fruit - Jude 12 and Matt 7:17-20

Wolves - Ezek 22:26-28, Zeph 3:1-4, Matt 7:15, Acts 20:29-30

Watchmen that are blind and ignorant - Is. 5:10

Avoid these false shepherds. Cling to Jesus! He is the TRUE SHEPHERD. Get to know Him by getting into His word and learning who He is and who He is not. Don’t just readily swallow every word that comes out of the mouth of one who claims to be speaking on behalf of God.

We are told in God’s word to rightly divide and handle the word of Truth. Jesus said that it is a wicked and foolish generation that always seeks a sign. The sign of a true man or woman of God is that they declare the word of God and every word lines up and does not contradict the Word of God. The WORD of God is the TRUE measuring line that we should align our lives with.

So I challenge you my brothers and sisters in Christ to KNOW THE LORD YOUR GOD. Psalm 119:11 says “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Hide His word deep in your heart and when the candy-coated lies of the false shepherds speak, you will be able to discern what is real spiritual food versus what is junk food for the soul.

In Christ’s love,

Jeff :O)