The Need for a Prophet

It has been very difficult for me to get some good quality Scripture reading and prayer time since our son Ethan was born. However, today in my short time of reading and reflection, I was able to meditate on the necessity for a prophet.

Unlike the Mormons misconstrued idea of modern day prophets, the evangelical world needs to reclaim the proper understanding of modern day prophets.

Before you raise the stone, let me explain...

Jeremiah 26:2 says, "'Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the LORD all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word..."

Reflection: As I was sitting on the couch with my son Ethan, I thought about this passage. What if George Bush addressed the nation and said something like this, "Fellow Americans, it is time for you to repent and follow Jesus Christ." Yes, highly unlikely. You could imagine, it would create an uproar. However, George Bush is not going to be the prophet for the modern day saint. Rather, it is the responsibility of those who have been called by God to preach the word. Jeremiah was a priest, not a president. He was called upon to prophesy to Judah the punishment that was to come because of their disobedience. Cursing the city of Jerusalem is not exactly a kind message that Judah wanted to hear from a prophet, but God commanded him to not "hold back a word."

Prophecy is defined as a form of proclamation, not fortune telling, or future predictions. Prophets exist today as much as in the time of Jeremiah. Preachers are our "modern day prophets." Men are called as preachers to proclaim with all boldness the gospel of truth to the nations. Preachers are not to "hold back a word" when it come to the scriptures. Every motive of the heart that needs to be addressed can be found in the scriptures. The church needs more bold prophets to continue to proclaim that message to a lost and dying world. The government is not going to proclaim that kind of message nor are they responsible for doing so.

In short, I am talking to myself and all those who are called to preach the word. Stop proclaiming a generic gospel full of self-help tips, and feel good testimonies. Rather, proclaim the gospel that exposes the whores that we are in comparison to the Holy God that created us. Expose the idols of t.v., books, music, sex, false gods, etc. and make it known that the God of this universe demands to be known and worshipped. Preachers, do not expect authorities to step up and be a voice. Many Kings have risen and done nothing but given thought only to themselves, but a true prophet has always been the voice heard and the voice rejected because it countered the desires of the flesh.

Preach the word! 2 Tim. 4:2