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
