There is no margin for error in prophecy

By Learnmore Zuze

Last week saw the third edition of the widely publicized Judgement Night event held by United Family Interdenominational Church led by Emmanuel Makandiwa. The event drew a one hundred and fifty thousand-strong crowd.

And as expected, a national prophecy was given for the 2015 edition to the effect that oil reserves would be found in Zimbabwe. In 2012, it was prophesied that gold would be picked from the ground and in 2014 it was prophesied that industry would be revived.

It is common knowledge that no gold was picked from the ground and it is actually contradictory to the situation on the ground that industry would be revived; in fact the opposite is true.

Now, it must be appreciated that the economy is tough and the hardships are unrelenting and naturally people are desperate for hope but it remains critical for us as a nation to think objectively not to just embrace anything thrown in our face.

The recent oil-reserves-prophecy comes at a time when industries are shutting down and thousands are being retrenched. We now have many prophecies of economic prosperity from different prophets flying around the country which, in my opinion, is an insult to the suffering masses of Zimbabwe.

The numerous prophecies have no cap or timeframe and they are vaguely stated. That the stated prophecies never come to pass should by now expose this rampant practice in churches.

Zimbabwe has been overwhelmed by people claiming to be prophets predicting the prosperity of individuals and the nation at large. By the way, Harare now has an estimated one hundred and sixteen prophet-led gatherings (excluding wives who are often prophetesses).

These prophets are literally everywhere now-small and big towns. The trend was popularized locally by popular Nigerian preacher TB Joshua after he predicted the death of a southern African president in 2012.

Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika subsequently died within the named time. Little regard has been given to the embarrassment and discomfort caused by ‘prophesying’ someone’s death.

Musician Oliver Mtukudzi once fell victim to a ‘prophecy’ encouraging people to, “…pray for Mtukudzi’s health.” The alleged prophet, one Ambassador Ishmael, had allegedly been shown Mtukudzi’s health failing. That was in May 2012.

Ladies and gentlemen, the truth is this: A true prophet of God will be 100% accurate. There is no margin for error in true prophecy.

The Bible asks, “How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken? When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing follows not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously: you shall not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22.

If the prophet’s predictions fail (in the slightest), they are exposed as not of God. This verse even quashes the common habit of claiming to have prophesied a person’s death after it has occurred.

It would appear that in their quest for recognition these men target prominent public figures as a launch pad to fame. Honestly, is a musician’s health the urgent message that Christianity needs today?

The Zimbabwe national soccer team once made waves at the CHAN tournament some time in 2013. Social media, radio, TV and drinking sports reverberated with joy as the boys made a grand entry into the semi-finals. Even our at-times-xenophobic neighbours found solace in rallying behind the Zimbabwe Warriors.

As I noted, it would appear the prophets of our age are to be found wherever the spotlight is. Unlike the Biblical prophets who shunned glory and the lime light, today’s prophets actually chase after it.

A Bulawayo based (prophet) Blessing Chiza made the headlines moments before the Zimbabwe versus Libya game. He allegedly prophesied that the Warriors would win and beat Libya by, “…three goals to nil.” However, Zimbabwe lost the match on penalties.

Tempers flared and many taunted him as a half-baked prophet. A hailstorm of insults rained on the hapless Bulawayo ‘prophet.’ Most livid people confessed that they had lost money and valuables to betting syndicates in the faith of his misleading ‘prophecy.’

Others even called for his arrest. However, in my opinion, to his credit, at least he spoke ahead of the match unlike most ‘prophets’ who claim glory after an event.

Now, a Bible reader knows that there is no such thing as a half-baked or fully baked prophet. One is either a true prophet or a false prophet. That this ‘prophet’ would later apologize to the nation saying, “I didn’t see clearly” is testimony that these men have rushed to say things but God has not sent them.

A true prophet cannot ‘see’ anything of his own but acts as a mouthpiece for God and, as such, there is absolutely no room for the slightest error.

Second Peter 1; 20, 21 removes any margin for error in prophecy because a prophet speaks for God as he or she is moved by the Holy Spirit.

Now, imagine the Almighty even sending a messenger to tell the world that Kudakwashe Mahachi will score in a soccer match. Imagine a supposed God sending a messenger to tell us of Mtukudzi’s health. Surely, isn’t this a mockery of the Person that God is?

Are these ‘death’, ‘soccer’ and ‘passport number’ prophecies the urgent need of this sinful world. Does God even revel in soccer?

1st Corinthians 14:3-4; A true prophet will look to edify, comfort and uplift the church body by Jesus’ testimony. Is soccer really the issue in a world battling addictions and pornography?

Surely, the Lord of Heaven is concerned with the salvation of man. Surely, our God wants the world to know of Jesus’ return more than he wants us to know of soccer matches.

It’s really sad seeing as it is how the Bible is clear and how multitudes refuse its counsel instead insulting bearers of this message.

Learnmore Zuze writes on topical matters centred on contemporary religion in general, prophecy, miracles, evolution, philosophy and atheism. He can be reached on e-mail: [email protected]