This parsha discusses the Navi sheker, the false prophet who attempts to lead people astray with his signs and wonders. Though he performs “miracles” and tells the future, if he recommends serving anyone but G-d, we know he is not G-d’s messenger.
The desire to know the future is of course great, and this is a test. Today, as we stand in the time of Moshiach’s arrival, it is tempting to use signs and omens to determine the exact time of his arrival. This is not proper.
The Rambam in Yad HaChazaka, Hilchos Melachim, writes that a person should not occupy himself with Midrashim and Aggada relating to the time of Moshiach’s arrival and the end of times. “They should not be considered of central importance because they do not bring one to Yiras Shomayim nor to Ahavas Shomayim.”
R’ Schach z’l wrote, “There is only one sign [of the Redemption] written in the Rambam and that is Teshuva. That is preferable to any sign. We want Moshiach to come to lighten our burdens, but that’s not what Hashem wants. Hashem wants us to wake up and return to Him.”
If we do Teshuva, we have no need for seers or soothsayers for we know exactly when Moshiach will come – Today.
As we say in Kabolas Shabbos, “Hayom, im b’kolo tishma’u, Today [the Redemption can come,] if you will but heed His voice.”
