Jeremiah 1:7-8 (NKJV) 7 But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.
Contrary to what many will lead you to believe, the lives of God’s prophets were not glamorous.
These people, who were mouthpieces for God, lived lives that were difficult. They frequently spent their years fearing for their lives because of the words God gave them to speak.
In these modern times, there are many who claim to be a prophet of God. And there are many others who desire to be a prophet.
This is problematic. Let us examine this a little more closely to see why.
The ability to speak prophetically sounds enticing. Being God’s “mouthpiece” sounds exciting!
And Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, expressed a desire that all would prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:5).
This desire, though, does not mean that everyone should prophesy. It simply means that it would be beneficial if everyone did so.
If we were all honest, most of us would admit that having God speak through us prophetically on a regular basis seems like it would be great.
Who would refuse that, right? Having the sovereign Creator of everything we see speaking through us sounds like a fantastic way to spend a lifetime.
But we must understand that it is not that simple. Being God’s prophetic mouthpiece comes at a great cost.
The things that God speaks are not always pleasant. They are often very difficult words that give correction or warnings with drastic consequences.
And while this may seem like something fun, the long-term price for this can be brutal.
Simply examining the scripture above proves the difficulty of this “office”, as God instructs Jeremiah that he will go where God sends him and speak what God gives him to speak.
He then encourages Jeremiah not to be afraid of their faces when He tells him to speak. That alone proves the difficulty of the position Jeremiah was being put in.
Knowing this, let us not run hastily into begging God to speak prophetically through us.
And let us also be cautious of those who claim to be prophets of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to give us discernment to weigh the words they speak carefully.
We do not choose our calling under God. He chooses us. And He assigns us the task or title that He knows is best for us. After all, He did create us.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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