The Prophets: God’s Spokesmen, Part 1
What kind of man does it take to be chosen to be a spokesman for God? Out of 39 Old Testament books, 17 bear the name of a prophet. Apart from them, there are dozens of prophets who make appearances in Old and New Testament narratives who played their part in revealing the will of God. Despite the honor of the position, ordinary men were chosen to leave their current circumstances to become men of God, ready to deliver His message no matter how unpopular it sat with their contemporaries.
A prophet would often tell his hearers about future events because he spoke for God, who sees all of time all at the same time. But a prophet was so much more than that. He was a chosen spokesman to deliver the specific message God wanted a group of people to hear at a particular time. Often the message was about impending wrath from God in judgment of their wickedness (Jon. 3:4, Jer. 2-6). They had already received from Moses what wonderful blessings their faithfulness would produce for them, and the merciful forgiveness that was available through sacrifices on the altar, so when they departed from that law, they needed to understand that God would not allow their sin to go unpunished. The prophet would let them know they should repent and return to God who would receive them gladly.
Likewise, we should understand that sin will not go unpunished (Gal. 6:7-8). If we are habitually forsaking the assembly, discouraging others with harsh words, or serving our own desires instead of serving the Lord we will reap the consequences. These behaviors do not have to continue if we appeal to the means God has provided for salvation (1 Cor. 6:11). Learn from the mistakes of those of old who ignored the messages of warning and repent today (Zeph. 3:5).
-Ross Haffner