“…prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but…from God…” – 2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)
The Bible is a collection of writings written by various human authors over roughly a thousand years. But how did these writings come about?
Peter described the prophets’ message as completely reliable and worth paying attention to (2 Peter 1:19). They were trustworthy and relevant, not just ancient writings of little interest to a modern audience. He makes it clear that the authors were not writing in response to current events and how they understood them. Nor were they acting as prophets because they wanted to. In fact, the prophets often seemed reluctant to be prophets. It was not an easy life.
Prophets are humans. Their humanity was expressed in the words they used to convey the messages. But the messages they delivered to the people, which we have recorded in the Scriptures, were from God, given to them through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They have inspired messages with a consistent thread running throughout and culminating in the work of Jesus Christ.
Characteristics of a true prophet:
1) A true prophet lives a holy life (2 Kings 4:9). They were ‘Holy men of God.’ The word “Holy” means dedicated or consecrated to God for a religious purpose; sacred. Or solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high purpose.
2) A true prophet speaks on behalf of God, as God’s Holy Spirit gave them the utterances (words) (Jeremiah 1:17; Luke 1:67).
3) A true prophet is faithful to the word received from God (Jeremiah 23:28; Ezekiel 3:17-21).
4) The message (prophecy) of a true prophet always comes to pass (Isaiah 55:11).
5) A true prophet is fearless – fears God and not man (2 Kings 3:14)
6) A true prophet trusts God (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
7) A true prophet has integrity. They are not after material benefits associated with the office but rather seek to do God’s will (2 Kings 5:15-16).
A true prophet, therefore, is an Intercessor or a mediator who interposes between parties at variance, with a view to reconcile them, or one who pleads on behalf of another. Their main function, however, is to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to edify the body of Christ.
Do we have prophets today like those in the Old Testament? The answer is twofold. The first is that the prophets’ messages of the Old Testament period were primarily for God’s people, the Israelites, while they also spoke to Kings of other nations about God’s favour and judgement that would befall them.
Secondly, Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Church of Ephesus, confirmed that there will always be prophets (Ephesians 4:11). So, yes, prophets function today. They continue to prophesy to and about governments, people, and nations. Listen to their inspired messages.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You that You are still identifying people as prophets for the ministry. Help those You identify with this gift (prophecy) to avail themselves to be used by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Deuteronomy 18:22; 1 Corinthians 12:31
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 77:10-20; Acts 15:22-41; I Kings 11:14-43; I Kings 12:1-24
