PROPHECY AND THE HEART OF GOD
“…My servants the prophets, whom I send you constantly though you do not obey them…” –Jeremiah 26:5
The Lord commands us to set our hearts on the spiritual gift of prophecy “above all” (1 Cor 14:1). Here are some scriptural observations upon which to meditate as we seek prophecy:
- “Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants, the prophets” (Am 3:7).
- God relentlessly sends His prophets to warn His people, just in case they might repent (Jer 26:5; Jon 4:11).
- Prophecy without love gains nothing (1 Cor 13:2).
- “No prophet is without honor except in his native place, indeed in his own house” (Mt 13:57).
- Prophets must be obedient, saying exactly what God commands, omitting nothing (Jer 26:2).
- Prophecy is a lifestyle. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Elijah, Jeremiah, Moses, Hosea, and other prophets all had to live radical lives of sacrificial obedience in order to be God’s prophets.
- Prophets must not be discouraged or surprised at rejection.
- Because prophecy is God’s message spoken at the perfect time, it has a great impact. All of Nineveh repented at the timely prophecy of Jonah (Jon 3:5ff).
- “Without prophecy the people become demoralized” (Prv 29:18). Thus the prophets, along with the apostles, form the foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20).
At Baptism, you were baptized into Jesus’ prophetic ministry (Catechism, 783, 1268). Seek prophecy and build up the Church (1 Cor 14:4).
PRAYER: Jesus, the Prophet (Lk 7:16), teach me “what to say and how to speak” (Jn 12:49). Give me Your heart for prophecy.
PROMISE: “In Your great kindness answer me with Your constant help.” —Ps 69:14
PRAISE: Don and Bill, both in their eighties, edit recorded homilies so they can be played on radio stations.
