The Lord was speaking to me last week repeatedly about “pretenders.” It reminded me of a classic song from the 50’s by a group called The Platters called “Great Pretender.” It was all about ignoring reality and pretending things about relationships, life, etc. We have many “great pretenders” around us.
Pretenders are people who have no position, but pretend they do, in a grand scheme of deception. Their goal is power and to put themselves into a position by making people believe they are something/someone they aren’t.
This isn’t something new. We saw it in biblical days in I Kings 1:5-53 where King David’s son, Adonijah, tried to take the throne. Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” The word for “put himself forward” is defined as “exalted himself.” By subterfuge Adonijah tried to ensure that he would be the next king as his father became advanced in years. He wasn’t anointed to be king, instead he declared himself king.
Remember Korah, who attempted to usurp leadership from Moses? Did you know he was actually a close relative of Moses? But we know from history how those attempts to establish themselves into positions of authority worked! Both failed and the pretenders ultimately lost their lives.
What we establish in the flesh, must be maintained by the flesh. Adonijah’s attempt to be king, and Korah’s effort to make himself leader, were both flesh-inspired attempts to gain power. But David and Moses were both leaders appointed to those positions by God. Neither were looking for those roles. And were even willing to walk away from them. It showed their heart.
In both of those situations, some of the people were initially deceived and for a time shifted their allegiance to the pretenders. But truth and fruit will always be revealed. It warns us that we must be discerning.
Pretenders enact a dangerous political game for power. They feel emboldened because lawlessness has increased and we have already walked through the season of pretenders (Obiden administration and others) who seemingly got away with taking power with no repercussions. But the Bible is very clear that God eventually steps in. We are certainly in a time of shaking and exposure in the church and in politics.
We have pastors pretending to be one thing in the pulpit, but walking a whole other lifestyle behind the scenes. Big name ministries that have sent shockwaves through the Church as information is revealed. We also have people in the political realm, some still in positions and some already voted out of positions, who pretend they are still in power. Some even using their previous title or creating a new one, to make them appear relevant. It is happening far more than people realize because let’s face it, Christians are typically trusting and it’s hard to believe that people would go to such lengths to deceive. But it is happening and by many who call themselves Christians. That’s a label readily used, but lifestyles don’t readily follow.
This is a warning and a call to prayer. There are power plays being made in a desperate attempt in our nation, within our cities and states, for control, power, and position which for some is like a drug and they refuse to relinquish control.
We have a responsibility which is discernment and prayer.
Father we thank You that when we call to You and come and pray to You, that You listen to us. We need You more than ever to understand what is truth in these turbulent times. Hear our cry for wisdom and discernment to know which leaders are real and which are pretenders with an unholy motivation for power. You told us to pray for our leaders, so we ask that You give them wisdom to make decisions that align with Your will. Give them discernment and insight. For those who have grown addicted to power and position, we pray for the fear of God to come upon them that will keep them in check. We pray this for both political leaders, as well as pastors and Christian leaders, as the political and religious spirit attempts deception and control in both camps.
May we, Your people, possess godly discernment and quickly heed any check in our spirit. Help us to recognize the difference between gossip and truth. Help us to give compassion, follow truth, seek insight and be courageous enough to not blindly follow based on someone’s name or title. Show us the difference between a critical/judgmental spirit and one prompted to pray. We pray for all leaders, but show us how to also hold them accountable. We pray for truth and justice to prevail in our cities, states and nation!
We pray for those who have been exposed by their actions, past or present. It is time for proper legal recourse so that justice prevails. Father we also pray for truth and for those who have repented long ago and changed their actions. What is the correct response? Help us navigate these waters. We also pray that pretenders, who lust for power, will be exposed and cast out. Reveal those who no longer hold office or positions, but deceptively claim they do or create positions to appear they do. We pray that truth will prevail and that lies and deception will be completely exposed. And that people will be willing to acknowledge the truth rather than continue to stick our heads in the ground. We bind the deception that has blanketed the Church and declare it is time for Truth! We declare even as excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, somuch less are lying lips to a prince. May the lying lips be stopped for You said they will not escape.
We declare that the Lord our God is with us for He is a Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in us and in His love He will not rebuke us, but will rejoice over us with singing.
Jer 29:12, Jams 1:5, 1 Tim 2:1-4, Prov 17:7, Zeph 3:17, Ps 31:18