Does God Speak Through Someone Speaking the Word of God?

One must question the authenticity of anyone claiming to be a divine voice speaking the Word of God. Believing in such messages often stems from a misunderstanding or an emotional vulnerability. If someone asserts that a magical, invisible, all-knowing intelligence preoccupied with the 7 billion people's sex lives speaks through them, it is unreasonable to suddenly believe them. Would anyone accept that Spider-Man, a fictional character, speaks through them and dictating actions such as sending money to some PO Box, would be an absurd proposition?

Scripture on Divine Communication

Micah 3:5-8 offers context on the Word of God as a powerful tool granted by God to bring righteousness and judgment. The text warns those who mislead the people by misinterpreting the Word of God:

Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err that bite with their teeth and cry Peace and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him. Therefore night shall be unto you that ye shall not have a vision and it shall be dark unto you that ye shall not divine and the sun shall go down over the prophets and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed and the diviners confounded: yea they shall all cover their lips for there is no answer of God.

Samuel 3:8 also emphasizes the importance of divine inspiration and discernment, indicating that true prophets carry the power of the Lord:

But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD and of judgment and of might to declare unto Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

Preparation and Wisdom

Job 17:3 provides encouragement for those facing adversity:

Lay down now put me in a surety with thee who is he that will strike hands with me.

This indicates that there are those who are prepared with the answer, providing us with a comfort and strength in challenging times. The Bible, particularly Job 26:4, asks:

To whom hast thou uttered words and whose spirit came from thee?

It challenges us to think critically about the origin of the words that we are echoing and speaking, stressing the importance of accountability and wisdom in sharing messages of faith and guidance.

Seeking the True Word of God

Isaiah 8:19-20 further reminds us to seek the Lord:

And when they shall say unto you Seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto wizards that peep and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them.

Finally, Micah 6:8 provides a simple, yet profound, commandment from God:

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good and what doth the LORD require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.

Deuteronomy 4:29 adds a further exhortation to seek the Lord:

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God thou shalt find him if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

These verses collectively provide a framework for understanding and interpreting the Word of God, emphasizing personal responsibility, critical thinking, and a steadfast dedication to seeking and understanding the true message from God.

In summary, the Bible underscores the importance of discernment and accountability in divine communication, teaching us to critically assess those claiming to speak for God while providing us with a timeless guide to lead a righteous and merciful life.