Prophecy, Authority and Authenticity

Monday, 16 December 2024. Readings: Numbers 24:2-7,15-17, Ps. 25:4-6,7a-9, Matthew 21:23-27

“And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, from heaven, he will say to us, why then did you not believe him? But if we say, from men, we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet.’” (Matthew 21:25-26)

- The chief priests and elders of the people approached Jesus, demanding to know who gave him the authority to carry out the work he was doing. They wanted to know who sent him, who gave him the power to work miracles, and who taught him how to preach and touch people’s hearts.

- In response to them, Jesus asked, “Where did John the Baptist get his baptism from? From man or God?” They could not answer because they knew that John the Baptist came from God, but saying this would mean that Jesus is the Messiah, a truth they did not want to accept.

- Like these Pharisees, there are times when we know the truth, but instead of just embracing it, we try everything possible to discredit it by questioning its source. The fact that you doubt something does not make it false.

- As far back as the book of Numbers, Balaam had already prophesied about Jesus Christ. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.” (Numbers 24:17)

- Indeed, as Moses said: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously, you need not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:22).

- A prophecy may take time to materialise, but it must happen as long as it comes from God and not merely from one’s imagination.

- Sadly, we live in an age of fake prophets—prophets who see visions according to the size of people’s pockets, prophets merely committed to making people feel good at all costs. Let us avoid becoming such false prophets.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, as we prepare for your Son’s birth, may our lives be transformed and renewed in you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of the 3rd week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Numbers 24:2-7,15-17, Ps. 25:4-6,7a-9, Matthew 21:23-27).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu