The Prophets

Prophet means ‘mouth’ A prophet is one who ‘speaks for the Lord’. Prophets are unpopular, they speak more truth than most are willing to hear. Only Isaiah volunteered, all the others were ‘drafted’. There is no earthly profit in being a prophet

Prophets are ‘signs’ the means God uses to get God’s message to us. The Greek word for miracle is literally ‘sign’. True Prophets, really Divinely inspired, are known by – 1. “By their fruits you will know them” Matt 7:16 2. Moses – Wait – the word of the true prophet will always come true.

Tasks of the true Prophet Build up the community Edifies the community – gives good example Shares God’s mind with the community The process is as follows: – Knowing God’s mind – Doing God’s will – Shariing God’s life

Old Testament Judiasm Three crucial tasks ProphetPriestKing NavigatorFirst mateCaptain SeerIntercessorLeader

Function in the Person IntellectDesireSpirit MindFeelingsWill Super-egoIdEgo Older Prophets found in the Prophetic Books written by the Prophets Earlier Prophets found in Historical Books (Elijah, Elisha, Samuel, Nathan)

16 Prophetic Books Four Major: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekial, Daniel Twelve Minor: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi The Four Major Prophets are longer books, more wide ranging and more profound