Seems to me that many have rarely understood the love of the prophets of old. Firstly and foremost the were committed to the Lord's will! They prophesied when they were given words to speak and prophesied not when no word from God was forthcoming. Secondly, they spoke the words of God even when it was a threat to their own personal safety! Simultaneously they never spoke a word for gain for the pleasing of itchy ears or the lining of their own purses. Thirdly, they suffered their flesh and their futures by allowing them to be molded as the Lord saw fit to mold each of them! But the greatest asset of the prophets of old was they humbled themselves and eschewed to tough love of God. They understood that the sometimes harshness and exactness of God was that of a Father's love! Their own personal ferocity sometimes displayed, so that others would be spared the wrath and anger of the Lord! They stood in proxy for God, whether in blessing or in judgement. Indeed it seems to me that a great debt is owed each and everyone of them. Major or minor in their personal ministry, they worked in concert with God, being led by His Spirit! Each of us having been indwelt by the Holy Spirit should also model ourselves after their example. Or so it seems to me. Even on a slow news day, a thread of this nature would be enough to springboard off and delve into deep discussion! TR If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:19 19 The world loves its own "prophets," regardless of whether what they proclaim comes true or not. It is their steadfast devotion to announcing human independence from God. We assert the opposite message, that humanity has NO future outside of the One who created us. However it is expressed, that is the great gulf fixed between us. Well said, important take on office! TR One of the wonderful things about the old prophets, and even the Apostle Peter, is that even though they did amazing, truly amazing things for the Lord, they were also very human and showed it and I think that gives hope to people like me who fail the Lord far too often. Peter did the unthinkable in denying Jesus. Elijah was afraid of Jezebel. Moses lost his temper. It brings to mind how the most glorious Being, Jehovah, uses frail creatures to accomplish His divine missions. God's grace is good! TR Interesting topic. Just recently I purchased a book titled "12 Faith Journeys of The Minor Prophets". The prophets had amazing faith. They may have lived long ago, but they were people like you and I, which is sometimes taken lightly when reading the bible. They were so obedient with their difficult but such honored tasks. In the book of Habakkuk, he describes the horrors of his days and it drew me to want to more about the prophets themselves. I can't help but to wonder how would I have handled their roles? Could I comfort others with faith, when experiencing such shocking tragedies? Could I be a pillar of strength or would I join the sorrowful and the mourners? More importantly; will I have to someday? Seeking Illumination, I would be interested in knowing what you think of the book once you've finished it. I have always loved books that give the details of life and society during these times of antiquity. I have one volume that I use in Bible study and it is such a help in understanding the culture and ways of the times. (Nelson's Bible Manners & Customs: How the People of the Bible Really Lived by Howard F. Vos) So true TR. I am in the process of reading the Bible completely through (for the first time I might add Ezekiel had some very unusual requests. In reading what God asked him to do; I'd love to know what he was thinking? Lay on my side for 390 days? Bake bread over something other than charcoal briquettes? No Fear, I am excited about meeting them all soon, too! Can't even imagine what I would say, but awfully eager to hear them speak. Yohanan - I put a note on my book to let you know my thoughts when I am finished. Your book sounds very interesting too; I will look into it; thank you for the information. "The Complete Works of Flavius Josephus" is pretty interesting. Obviously, he is not a prophet, but was alive and witnessed the destruction of the Jewish Temple. Truly intriguing to read his account of the circumstances surrounding that historical event. For extra biblical material I like reading through Fox's book of martyr's. As there is no intellectual disputation of their testimony! As the old saying goes: I can't hear what your saying, your actions are speaking too loudly. Ideas, concepts and words can always be disputed! TR 
) and that thought also crossed my mind. We hear and talk about the more popular prophets of the Bible and in reading through the OT, I am noticing how many prophets God used that barely get a mention and if you just listen to the lessons on the popular prophets, you don't realize how many and how important they were. I am excited about meeting them all soon :yes:
Pretty sure I would question if I'm really hearing from God, but he obeyed! Ezekiel was a great prophet.
