Prophets and prophecy

Who were the prophets? What did they do? How did God use prophets? The elephant in the room. False prophets. Does God speak through prophecy today?

What were the prophets? What did prophets do?

I will raise up for them a prophet, like you, from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. Deuteronomy 18:18

How did God use prophets?

How did God call prophets?

“The word of the Lord came to...”

“Hâyâ” - to be, to exist, become, come to pass.

“The word of the Lord became actively present to...”

How did the prophets become aware of what God wanted them to speak?

Vision Oracle Not clear in many cases

The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up and he let none of his words fall to the ground.

What did the prophets call people to do?

Justice Obedience

Learn to do right Seek justice Encourage the oppressed Defend the cause of the fatherless Plead the case of the widow Isaiah 1: 17

Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and champions at mixing drinks, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent. Isaiah 5: 22-23

Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. Isaiah 10: 1-2

...all who have an eye for evil will be cut down - those who with a word make a man out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice. Isaiah 29: 20-21

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Obedience

The elephant in the room.

“They (the prophets) possessed an overwhelming certainty concerning their words, such as is proper either to lunatics or to men who have stood in the counsel of God and received there what they are to say on earth.” New Bible Dictionary

“How come, when we talk to God, we’re praying; but when he talks to us, we’re schizophrenic.” Lily Tomlin

False prophets

‘You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.’ Deuteronomy 18: 21-22

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognise them... Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” Matthew 7: 15-18

Does God speak through prophecy today?

“Only in his home town and in his own house is a prophet without honour.” Matt 13: 57

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy....everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14: 1-3

Does God speak through prophecy today?