Of the many things the Book of Ezekiel is known for, one of its most prominent themes is that of false prophecy and its judgment. It may be the case that when most of us think of 'false-prophets,' we instinctively consider the troubling presence of the many bogus divine spokesman who plague the Church today: the prosperity preachers, the faith-healers, the grace-abusers, the rigid legalists, and the narcissists who are intent on enriching themselves with false promises of ease and a 'gospel' without a cross.

However, it may surprise you to know that false prophets have always accosted God's people. Wherever and whenever God's Word is given, there is inevitably the satanic counter-offer of another word that is advertised as better, truer, and more enlightening. We need only to trace the tragic narrative of Genesis 3:1-7 to make our point.

In Ezekiel 13, we discover that way back in the time of the exile (593 BC) there were plenty of false prophets around. Their messages, while sounding plausible and positive, were nonetheless an abomination to the Lord and spiritually deadly for the Israelites. In the twenty-three verses of this chapter we find a blistering condemnation of Israel's professional class of male prophets (vv. 1-16), and certain women who assumed positions of prophetic leadership and offered messages tainted with elements of sorcery (vv. 17-23).

This Sunday, our sermon text will come from Ezekiel 13:1-10, and we will take an initial look at the dangerous situation that had developed there in Babylon among the Israelite captives. As always, there will be a most direct application to the New Testament Church, and especially to her preachers.

You will benefit from prayerfully familiarizing yourself with this chapter as we prepare to meet together before our Lord this Sunday.