When Prophets Get It Wrong
Read 2 Samuel 7:1–7. What was wrong with Nathan’s advice to David, and why would God not allow David to build Him a temple? 1 Chron. 22:8.
The prophet Nathan was a wise, thoughtful, and God-fearing man, but not everything a prophet says or does is done under inspiration. In giving his approval to David’s plan, Nathan had spoken as a friend of the king and not in his capacity as a prophet. A permanent dwelling for the God of Israel was probably something that most pious people desired. In a night vision (2 Sam. 7:4-17), however, God told Nathan that what he had told David was wrong and that he had to go and tell David so.
Ellen White was not infallible, and she never claimed infallibility. She grew, changed her mind on issues, and was constantly open for more light.
In one instance, in particular, when the publishing house in the south was doing poorly, she supported making it merely a depository for the Review and Herald. “Go ahead,” she said, “God’s cause must not be left to reproach, no matter who is made sore by arranging matters on a right basis. Edson should give himself to the ministry and to writing. . . . Finance is not his forte at all.”—Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, p. 270. But within twenty-four hours Ellen G. White received a vision that caused her to reverse herself. “Let the Southern field have its own home—published books” she told the General Conference. Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Elmshaven Years, p. 193.
We must remember that prophets are not always on duty—that is, they are not speaking constantly for God. “There are times when common things must be stated, common thoughts must occupy the mind, common letters must be written and information given that has passed from one to another of the workers. Such words, such information, are not given under the special inspiration of the Spirit of God.”—Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 3, p. 58.
But as history has shown, if erroneous counsel has been given by a prophet, God will intervene to correct the mistake. Some people love to focus on every perceived error in either the Bible or in the lesser light, which are the writings of Ellen G. White. What’s so dangerous and unhealthy about that kind of attitude? How can you protect yourself from falling into that trap yourself?
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