IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15–22

Introduction:
God declared in Exodus 3: “I have seen, I have heard, and I will intervene.” He instructed Moses to confront Pharaoh and deliver the Israelites from slavery. Yet, from the very beginning of their journey through the wilderness, the Israelites complained—despite God’s love and intervention, they often provoked His anger. At one point, Moses even referred to them as “Your people” in dialogue with God.

In Deuteronomy 4, the Israelites questioned Moses: “Are you the only one who speaks to God face to face? We also want to hear from God.” God responded to their request and told Moses to prepare the people to meet Him. They purified themselves outwardly, but their hearts remained unready.

Think of the gatekeeper analogy—you can’t approach a king without passing the gatekeeper, who does not make access easy. The Israelites wrongly assumed Moses was withholding God’s word from them, acting like a gatekeeper.

But in Deuteronomy 5, when God descended on Mount Horeb in fire and power, the people were terrified. They retreated and pleaded with Moses: “We are not worthy to face God. Please ask Him to appoint someone to speak on His behalf.”

So, in Deuteronomy 18, Moses tells them: “God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people.”

We Are Living in Similar Times

Just like the Israelites, today many people live in pride and choose to disregard God’s word—even when they hear it clearly. When repentance is preached, when holiness is called for, people often dismiss it. They treat church as a social trend, something fashionable rather than sacred.

Three Things God Desires from Us:

1. God Appoints His Prophets

When God’s people are in right standing with Him, He appoints a prophet to speak on His behalf. Why? Because He is our God, we belong to Him, and He has good plans for us.

In this church, God has given us spiritual gifts. While people may feel they can say whatever they want to God’s servants, we must be careful—because these servants belong to God.

God, not man, decides whom He will use to stand in the gap between Himself and His people.

Moses reminded the Israelites not to forget what God had done for them. In the same way, God will intervene in your situation. He knows you intimately and will place a burden in the heart of His servant concerning your life. His servant will speak only what God commands—there is healing and restoration in that word.

We live in a time when people not only want to hear what pleases them, but they want to choose who will say it. However, God says: “I will choose from among you.” When God appoints, He transforms.

His appointed servant will intercede on your behalf, and God will answer. Honor the servant God has placed over you.Don’t expect them to always “handle you softly.”

God’s servants have visited you in times of need and prayed for you. When they speak what God commands, even if the word is tough or corrective, receive it. As Jeremiah 17:5–7 says:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man….Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord..”

The strength of this church will be in allowing God’s servants to speak only what the Lord commands—that is what brings God’s glory.

2. God Places His Word in His Servants

Not only does God appoint, but He also places His word in the mouth of His servant.

God reveals what He needs to reveal about your life through His chosen vessels. They do not speak for themselves—they speak on God’s behalf.

You are to listen to them.

Rejecting God’s voice through His servant is rejecting God Himself. Just like the Israelites who demanded to see God but ran in fear, rejecting God leads to an unfruitful life.

3. A Strong Warning: Beware of False Prophets

We are living in a time when people have turned from God and seek help in traditions, culture, and false spirituality.

The Bible warns us: Be watchful and discerning.
We must be a prayerful, word-filled community. God does not hide His truth from those who seek Him.

How will you know a true prophet?
Scripture says: Deuteronomy 18: 22 ²² when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

The price of false prophecy is death—not necessarily physical, but spiritual death and disconnection from God.

If you have been appointed by God today and you turn from the truth, the consequences remain the same.

Even in our home countries, some have turned away from God’s path, and sadly, some church members are also walking away from God. But the Holy Spirit is still speaking.

Final Word:

God is speaking—through His Spirit and through His appointed servants.

Receive His word. Remember where He brought you from. Stay discerning. Honor His voice.