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Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
Introduction to the Prophets 2 of 4
Focus Text: Revelation 22.8-10
Contemplate the angel’s statement to John: "For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book." (Revelation 22.9). It is especially interesting that the angel declared that he and John both belonged to the class or group of creatures styled as prophets; John was a prophet and the angel was a prophet. At least this phrase means that both John and the angel functioned in the same role as prophets of God; this expression may mean more but certainly it means this.
From this statement of the angel, it is obvious that the role of the prophet is a distinct role, distinct that is from the function/role of people in general. From that we take it that not every person is a prophet and hence the role of the prophet is a specific function, the details of which are specified by God Himself. To further support this conclusion, note the use of the term "holy prophets" in the New Testament (see Luke 1.70; Acts 3.21; 2 Peter 3.2; Revelation 22.6). To fully appreciate this term, one needs to realize that the term "holy" means "…set apart for a specific and defined purpose." So, the prophets were "holy prophets" in the sense that their work was set aside and defined by God Almighty.
Two passages in the New Testament take a wide retrospective view of the Old Testament and refer to the work of the holy prophets "…since the world began." (see Luke 1.70 and Acts 3.21). In both cases it is noteworthy that the speakers refer to the words of the prophets but they specifically and explicitly say that God spoke "…by the mouth of [all] His holy prophets." This is a significant claim and one which directly addresses the role of the prophet of God. The words of the prophets were not their own words, but rather they were directly attributed to God in heaven. This is fully consistent with David’s claim when he said, "The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue." (2 Samuel 23.2).
One more significant fact: Note that the two passages cited (Luke 1.70 and Acts 3.21) each use the term "…the mouth of [all] His holy prophets," and note particularly that the word mouth is singular in number! Each of the scores of prophets had a mouth, but when they spoke for God they collectively had but one mouth! This is true BECAUSE their messages did not originate from within their own hearts and minds. Rather, the message of the true prophet is one which originated in heaven and was faithfully delivered by the prophet. This further explains the role of the prophet and confirms our previous conclusions about his work as a spokesperson for God.
As much as I might like to be one, I am not a prophet. I have no word from God EXCEPT that which was faithfully delivered by former prophets. God has not spoken to me directly with any message other than that which has already been spoken in previous generations. If God were still speaking by me, my words ought to be included in books and be added to the other scriptures, but such is not the case. What I say for myself is true for others! Either my position in this is right or God still has prophets and the Bible is yet being written!
Questions:
1. From the texts cited in this message, what indications are there that God does not speak to His creatures in general, but rather that He uses special spokespersons?
2. What does the term "holy" mean? What is meant by the term "holy prophets"?
3. What point is made from the fact that "mouth" is singular in Luke 1.70 & Acts 3.21?
4. If someone is truly a prophet today, how ought we to treat his/her words?
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