Why I would not want to be a prophet:

Most of the prophets of both the Old and New Testaments were killed for what they had to say. They bore many sorrows and suffered. It was a terrible burden to be a prophet.

Of course they were called by God to speak their prophecies. They could hardly have done otherwise. Jonah tried to keep from being a prophet, but in the end he had little choice.

Isaiah was sawn in two. Jeremiah was stoned. Ezekiel was slain. Daniel was thrown in the lion's den (he survived). Micah was thrown off a cliff. Amos was beaten and clubbed to death. Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Elijah was persecuted and chased throughout the land until he was raptured (someday he too will be killed). John the Baptist was beheaded. Jesus was crucified (while Jesus is much more than a prophet).

A handful lived to a ripe old age. But everyone was acquainted with sorrow. Their messages weren't popular. They were seldom heeded... though Jonah was one of the few exceptions in that regard.

James 5:10 says "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."

Read about the lives of the prophets. The stories are mostly sad... but so very true. We don't know the whole story of the lives they led, only that their lives are used as examples of suffering and patience. Maybe someday soon we will have the opportunity to ask them, but by then I am sure they'd rather talk about the happier things of heaven. I'm sure that there was a time when a prophet rarely smiled, but now I am sure that they all do!

YBIC

Bruce Baber

http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/sep2012/bruceb917-1.htm

Fair use for educational and discussion purposes ~

TN Dove - you are always so insightful! I agree we see it today everyday with the prophetic. Being a prophet is a lonely occupation. Thankless here in earthly perspectives. In Heaven, wow - what prizes await those that do the Will of the Father despite the odds!
I have been meaning to let you know...Psalm 68:13 is one of my favorite scriptures.
Blessings to you....I think many of us needed to read this.

Besides the prophets,we also need to be reminded that there have been many missionaries being sent and killed for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Prophets or not,when the call is upon us,we need not fear but to trust our Lord wholeheartedly,and submit ourselves to him,and finish the battle gracefully.

You're welcome, everyone. One of the first tests I always run when someone starts to prophesy is, "Is this person being hounded by the forces of hell?"

The ones in paid for houses & driving luxury automobiles usually don't fit the bill. Most often, they're living paycheck to paycheck (hand to mouth just like Elijah/prophets of old), & in very humble surroundings. Sadly, I don't think you'll find many on our major Christian TV networks.