When prophets speak

 

Jeremiah 36:1-10

A.W. Tozer noted, "What is needed desperately today is prophetic insight. Scholars can interpret the past; it takes prophets to interpret the present." Reflect more on that quote and you can discern what prophecy is. It's not fortune telling. Instead, it's understanding and seeing how what's happening today may impact us later. Not everyone can see that, mind you. Most of us are comfortable with what is. Maybe that's why there's always a tense relationship with our prophets. Stephen spoke prophetically and his hearers killed him. He asked, "which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute" (Acts 7:52)? Jesus said something similar (Matthew 23:30). Ask Elijah the prophet about this reality (1 Kings 19:10). Even Bob Marley wondered, "How long shall they kill our prophets, while we stand aside and look?" The forces of power and authority don't want to hear from God. That is, of course, unless God speaks to their favor. But speak out against them, even in truth, even in the faintest way and they easily sour against you. It happens in every generation, and it isn't limited to high offices or governing bodies. Some of our bosses and many of our relationships work the same way. But truth needs to be spoken. Jeremiah the prophet had an important word of God to speak to the people. It wouldn't be an easy pill for them to swallow. But the prophet must still speak. Prophets must speak. Jeremiah dictated to a scribe, Baruch, the words he wanted the people to hear. He did this because he was "prevented from entering the house of the Lord" (Jeremiah 36:5). There's question as to what prevented him. The consensus is he wasn't under arrest. But, perhaps, there was a ceremonial aspect that kept him away. Maybe there was something in his spirit that prevented him. I'm inclined to wonder if he was still in trouble for a faithful sermon he gave earlier (Jeremiah 5 & 7). It's plausible because when the king finally hears what Jeremiah has dictated, he wants the prophet and the scribe arrested. Thank God prophets find their voices and courageously say what needs to be said. Now, it's on us to become people willing to listen. Willing to unmoor ourselves from the comfort and security of what is so that we can know the true grace and truth of God. A prophetic word isn't for you to like or find inspiring. It's to help you see the truth before us. Listen to our prophets. Stay blessed...john