“A Voice Crying In The Wilderness No doubt, there have been seasons in the life of every true prophet and watchman upon the wall where they have felt like their efforts were little more than a solitary voice crying in the wilderness. When viewed against the depth of spiritual dullness, indifference and complacency saturating their day, I’m sure there were seasons when most felt that their efforts were little more than an exercise in futility. A case in point was the despondency of Elijah the prophet after his devastating humiliation of the prophets of Baal ( I Kings 19). We find him isolated, dejected and discouraged in a wilderness cave lamenting the assumption that he was the only faithful Israelite left. But God gently reproved his self-pity by reminding him that there was still a remnant of 7,000 others who had not bowed their knees to Baal. Being a prophet or a watchman upon the wall can be a lonely, sometimes disheartening job. Prophets weren’t the most popular kids on the block. They were seldom liked. The majority think that they’re a downer to be around because they’re negative, critical, harsh and challenging. Most believe that they never have anything positive to say. At times it may seem to the prophet like he’s just a lone voice in the middle of nowhere crying wolf and few even bother to listen anymore. “Yeah, yeah....Yada, yada, yada...we’ve heard it all before.” But are they hearing? Yes, being a true prophet is, for the most part, a thankless, unenviable calling. As James noted; “ Take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.” (5:10) They weren’t well liked and little respected. As Jesus said; “A prophet has no honor in their own household.” The prophets God sent to Israel had a bull’s-eye on their backs and a king’s bounty on their heads. Most were murdered because they dared to tell the people the truth and speak politically incorrect things. As Stephen proclaimed before he was stoned by the Jews; “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And killed those who foretold of the coming of the Just One...” (Acts 7:52) That commentary is seen many times in the scriptures.¹ That pattern has seldom changed in the history of God’s people. Unlike today’s mass appeal preachers who attract adoring crowds with their positive promises of prosperity, self-empowerment, religious unity and “feel good” religion, the prophets were generally rejected, ostracized and persecuted. Few want to listen to their “broken record” or their endless ravings. Their message is not pleasing to the flesh or soothing to the ear - especially when there were so many other politically correct prophets who were only to willing to speak smooth words and tell the people that everything was cool and copasetic . They weren’t “yes men”, apple polishers, popular celebrities, court toadies, men-pleasers or best sellers. They didn’t care about ratings or censorship. They spoke in spite of the ridicule of their peers, the loss of reputation or the threats and censorship from the religious and secular authorities. They told it like it was. They didn’t mince words, water down the word or sugar coat the truth. They were often abrasive, provocative and as “politically incorrect” as you could be. They didn’t care if the majority considered them to be critical, judgmental and intolerant. They’re message was seldom embraced or respected. They didn’t kowtow to popular opinion, seek a following or try to win the praises of men. Their message was not appealing, convenient or easy on the flesh. They spoke of radical change, repentance, rebuke, correction, exhortation, sacrifice, devotion and judgment. In our contemporary society, the flesh has little stomach or tolerance for their message. They called God’s people to accountability, authenticity and change. They challenged the status quo, cherished traditions, popular opinions, self-serving agendas, spiritual lukewarmness, secret sins, and the “sacred cows” so revered by the church. God is raising up prophets today to once again speak to God’s people. I’m talking about true prophets who do not shy away from speaking the words of God in truth - Who speak with authority to the hearts of God’s people. Who have the ring of authenticity and whose message the people’s heart bear witness to even if it is uncomfortable to hear. Call them prophets, watchmen on the wall or those who are standing in the gap. They are men and women speaking by the Spirit of God to the churches. 1. (Matthew 5:12; 23:20,34,37; Luke 11:47,50; 13:34; Romans 11:3; I Thessalonians 2:15 & Revelation 16:6; 18:24)
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 13:04:27 +0000
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