A Word About The Prophets of God

By Synthia Robinson-Pack

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. ⁽¹⁾

Many people carry around business cards that list their title as "Prophet of God." Huge conferences are held and many books are written to instruct people on how to become a prophet. Is it that easy though? Does a person become a prophet simply because he attends a conference or two, reads some books and orders a stack of business cards? Of course not. Yet still many people believe that they can decide to become one of God's prophets.

Prophets Are God-Appointed, Not Self-Appointed

Prophets are called by God, however ; they are not self-appointed. God chooses who shall be a prophet, just as He appoints apostles, healers, teachers, etc. No one can appoint himself to be God's prophet. In the story of the prophet Jeremiah, we discover how God appointed him as one of His prophets.

Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. ⁽²⁾

Once that person is appointed as a prophet of God, he is a prophet of God, whether he agrees or not. When God told Jeremiah that he was a prophet, Jeremiah responded negatively, Then said I, Ah, Lord God ! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. ⁽³⁾ Jeremiah did not consider himself prophet material. In fact, Jeremiah calls himself "a child" and says he cannot speak. God had called Jeremiah though and told him, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. ⁽⁴⁾

"Not me!" is usually one of the first responses when people are appointed as a prophet of God. This is a natural response for anyone who comprehends the tremendous responsibility and trials of the prophets of God throughout history. The true prophets recognize that, For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. ⁽⁵⁾ They understand that the path of the prophet is one that is often very lonely, arduous and controversial. If they do not fully understand this when they recognize the calling on their lives, then they will soon know it through their life experiences. The first thing they often discover is that loneliness with the world is their constant companion.

Lonesome But Not Alone

God has not left them alone, although they may often feel that way. He has given them, as well as all Christians, someone to help them, to guide them, and even to comfort them. Jesus explained to His disciples that He must leave them but that He would not leave them alone. Jesus said, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. ⁽⁶⁾ After Jesus had ascended into Heaven, then came the Comforter, the Holy Spirit that descended upon some of the early Christians who were gathered together in prayer. ⁽⁷⁾ The Holy Spirit descended upon them. John the Baptist had earlier prophesied about the baptism of the Holy Spirit when he told the people that, " I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." ⁽⁸⁾

The Holy Ghost, or Spirit, is the source of all prophecy, including the prophecies spoken by the prophets of the Old Testament. We read in the Scriptures that, For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. ⁽⁹⁾ This same Spirit also teaches men the spiritual things of God that transcend human wisdom. Paul wrote that, Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ⁽¹⁰⁾ It is the Holy Spirit that also helps Christians to stand firm when faced with adversity and opposition. Jesus warned His disciples that they would be persecuted for their faith but told them that, And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. ⁽¹¹⁾ The Holy Spirit is the source of true Christian wisdom, strength and prophecy. A prophet receives messages from the Holy Spirit.

Often people do not understand these messages because they do not have the spiritual capacity to do so. Sometimes, however, they fail to understand because they choose not. During this entire process though, the prophet is stuck between the Holy Spirit realm and the humanistic world. It is not an easy position to maintain without questioning it all.

Prophets - The Outsiders with the Inside Track

People cannot really understand prophets because it is impossible for them to do so. Prophets have a unique calling, a very special position in the Body of Christ; therefore, they cannot expect others to understand them or their ministry. Prophets think differently than others. They see things that others cannot see or, sometimes, even imagine. When the majority of Christians are rejoicing, the prophet will be weeping. It is not that prophets want to be so different than others; it is simply because they are different.

The prophet Jeremiah said to God, I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. ⁽¹²⁾ He knew the loneliness of a prophet's life that comes from this internal difference from others. The prophet Daniel too was a man who was set apart from others. He saw things they did not see and heard things they could not hear.

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. ⁽¹³⁾

In this passage, Daniel says "therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision. . ." That simple phrase reveals a lot about the life of a prophet: he seems to always be alone. He sees his visions alone. He hears God speaking to him alone. He receives divine messages alone. His entire ministry is filled with loneliness because others cannot stand where he stands, walk where he walks, and go where he must go.

In this unique position, however, the prophet receives things from God that transcend all human abilities. The prophet sees events that are yet to happen, hears messages that are not yet preached, open doors that are not yet closed and closes others that have not been opened. Afterwards, the prophet has to explain it all to people who have not seen or heard these things. It is not an easy life but it is a life to which he ⁽¹⁴⁾ is destined.

Face-to-Face With God - It Is Worth Any Cost

The tremendous turmoil and loneliness that the prophet may feel is vanquished when he comes before the face of God. In the Presence of God, the prophet is renewed as he realizes that he would endure anything and everything just to be face-to-face with the Divine One.

It is in the Presence of God that the prophet finds the safety, healing and support that he cannot find anywhere else. When standing before men, the true prophet is usually dishonored; when he comes before God, however, the prophet is honored simply by the fact that he stands before God. As the Scripture says, Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. ⁽¹⁵⁾ This is aptly true for prophets because they are usually fought, attacked, maligned and misunderstood by everyone else, including other Christians. Yet many prophets seem apologetic for wanting to spend time in God's presence. Why?

Perhaps it is because they understand the privilege that their callings provides them and how closely they stand to God when they come into His Presence. They receive the secrets of God. Although it brings many trials and persecutions, there is an incredible power that comes when God speaks to a man. Although many men may occasionally hear directly from God, the prophet does it repeatedly. Although precious and holy, it is also exciting and invigorating. This wondrous elation that one feels when he is in the Presence of God soon fades when the prophet stands before men and gives the message that he has received from God.

Harsh Messages Mean Difficulties for the Prophet

The message that the prophet has been given to deliver is usually not one that many people will want to hear. This is because the message is often a warning of impending judgment upon God's people because of their sin. Many people consider a prophet to be one that foretells future events and someone to consult for important decisions. The true role of a prophet, however, is to deliver the word of God. God told Jeremiah,

Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. ⁽¹⁶⁾

Not many people want their sins to be rooted out, pulled down, destroyed, thrown down; they want the prophet only to build and plant. In his role as spokesperson for God, however, the prophet usually has to root out, pull down, destroy and throw down before he can build and plant.

This does not mean that every time a prophet speaks he will speak harsh words. Many times God will use His prophets to validate a ministry or leadership role. For example, the prophet Nathan anointed Solomon as king, and Samuel anointed David. ⁽¹⁷⁾

Prophets Usually Sent to Those Who Won't Listen to God

Usually God sends His prophet to stand before someone who will not listen to Him. You may ask why would God send a messenger if people will not listen to Him. It is because it is easy for people to dismiss God Whom they cannot see; it is more difficult to ignore someone standing in front of you. In addition, the prophet gives confirmation of God's word. Oftentimes the message from the prophet is the last one that the rebellious hear before judgment falls upon them.

The history of the Israelites prove that God raised up prophets to speak to the people when they had rebelled against Him. The prophets would challenge the people with their sins, encourage them to repent, and warn of impending judgment if they continued to rebel against God. In the Book of Ezekiel, we read the prophet's appointment by God to the Israelites.

And he [God] said unto me,[Ezekiel] Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. ⁽¹⁸⁾

God told Ezekiel that He was sending them to the Israelites who were stubborn and rebellious. God warned the prophet about the rebellious people but assured the prophet that He had given him strength to stand before them. When giving such a message, a prophet needs to draw strength from God because his own mortal strength is not nearly strong enough. Throughout the centuries, however, prophets have stood strong and delivered God's message of repentance or judgment. The prophet Isaiah brought such a message to a rebellious people:

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. ⁽¹⁹⁾

Isaiah told the people that God said they needed to cease their evil and to be cleansed of their sins. He warned them that if they repented, then blessings would continue to fall upon them. If they continued in their rebellion, however, they would be conquered and killed. Does this sound a little harsh to you? Well, the message became even more harsh. He continued:

How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water: Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. ⁽²⁰⁾

If we continue reading his message, we discover it did not weaken at all. It maintained a strong exhortation to repentance or judgment. Isaiah never apologized for the harsh message either. He could not apologize though because he was not the source of the message; he was only the messenger. In Ezekiel, God said to the prophet:

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord God; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. ⁽²¹⁾

When God Speaks, Things Happen

"Thus saith the Lord God" - what a powerful opening statement. How can you dispute with God? Many men may try to do so, but God's words will still stand strong, regardless of whether men receive them or not. God told Ezekiel to give the people His message whether they listen or not.

When God speaks, things happen - because there is creative power in God's words. God spoke the world into existence. He created the animals, sun and oceans with His voice. That power is still found in His words today. It is not dependent upon the hearer's acceptance. Once it is spoken by God, it will happen - just as He said it would.

Because the prophet is simply God's messenger, he only must repeat the words that God spoke. That's it! Nothing else. He is not to explain, alter, expand, weaken, strengthen or change the message in any way. God explains the role of a prophet as such: I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. ⁽²²⁾ He further goes on to explain the responsibility and accountability of the prophet: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. ⁽²³⁾ The prophet must speak God's word completely. If he fails to give the entire message, then he will face God's judgment. In addition, the prophet is speak only what God tells him to say. If the prophet falsely claims that a word is from God, then he will bring death ⁽²⁴⁾ upon himself.

True Prophet Speak God's Word Only

But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. ⁽²⁵⁾

In the passage above, God explains that the test of a true prophet is the veracity of his prophecy. If a prophet gives a message from God, then that message will be proven by its fulfillment. If the prophet is false, however, the prophecy shall fail and reveal his presumption. This does not mean that every true prophet is completely accurate every time; prophets, like other Christians, are human and can fail too. The prophet cannot use his humanity to excuse his false prophecies though; he must strive to always deliver God's word truthfully and completely at the appropriate time and to the appropriate person(s). Every prophet must be like Jeremiah and say to the people, Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the Lord your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the Lord shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you. ⁽²⁶⁾

Jeremiah was a true prophet of God. Many of the prophets, during that time and even today, speak words of deceit and wickedness. God addresses the false prophets in the Book of Jeremiah. To facilitate our reading and understanding, we will break the passage down into smaller portions.

False Prophets Lead People Away From God

God said that the prophets were profane and wicked because they encouraged the wicked to continue in their sins and not repent; therefore, He would destroy them for their wickedness and deception.

Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the Lord, and because of the words of his holiness. For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right. For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord. Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the Lord. And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err. I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land. ⁽²⁷⁾

God told the people not to listen to the false prophets who contributed to their own vanity. The prophets spoke their own words and not the words of God, whom the people despised. They told the people that they would have peace and that no evil would befall them.

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it? ⁽²⁸⁾

God warned them that his anger had gone out to the false prophets like a terrible whirlwind. It would not return until the false prophets were judged. God said that, although He did not send these prophets, they ran to the people. But if the prophets had been true and given them God's word, then His people would have turned back to Him; instead, the people had turned further into their wickedness. God warned that He is always near and man cannot hide from Him.

Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord. ⁽²⁹⁾

God said that He has heard the false prophets say that they had a dream. God says that if a prophet has a dream from God, let him tell it. If a man has a word from God, then let him speak it faithfully. God explained that His word is like a fire that purifies or like a hammer that breaks apart a rock. God warned that He was against the false prophets who would bring no good to the people.

I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord. ⁽³⁰⁾

God's judgment would fall hard upon the false prophets. He would abandon the people in their sin and bring everlasting reproach and shame upon the false prophets because they had profaned God.

And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the Lord? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the Lord. And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the Lord, I will even punish that man and his house. Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the Lord answered? and, What hath the Lord spoken? And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God. Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the Lord answered thee? and, What hath the Lord spoken? But since ye say, The burden of the Lord; therefore thus saith the Lord; Because ye say this word, The burden of the Lord, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the Lord; Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence: And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten. ⁽³¹⁾

False Prophets Sit Down, True Prophets Stand Up!

God makes it extremely clear that He hates false prophets and will hold them accountable for their deception. Why does God attack the false prophets so strongly? Because they reflect badly upon the true prophets who do speak the word of the Lord. In fact, God says to His true prophets, The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. ⁽³²⁾ He wants His true prophets to stand and give His word in confidence, love and faith! Not whimpering and stammering. He does not want you to apologize for the message you deliver for Him. He wants you to stand strong. He wants you to stand just like He told Isaiah to stand: Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. ⁽³³⁾

Why did God have to warn Isaiah to stand strong against the rebellious people? Because it is difficult to stand against others who have taken a strong position, even if they are wrong. It is also very hard to stand when you have to face everyone alone. It is human nature to want to be liked, loved and accepted. Anger, disagreement and rejection are painful for anyone - even God's prophets. The prophet, however, must reject his own feelings and desires so that he can faithfully deliver the word of God.

Although called by God, the prophet is still human. Like everyone else, he still struggles with his own weaknesses and sins. For many prophets, the biggest struggle he faces is the battle to overcome the fear of man. The prophet must throw that aside, however, and fear only failing God. When he fears failing God more than he fears how people will respond to God's words, then he will speak strongly, loudly and faithfully. God knows that oftentimes the prophets has to struggle with this though. God still calls the prophet to his position, however, because He knows that, as long as the prophet depends upon Him, he will be strong enough to handle anything, even his own internal battles. God also knows how to teach His prophets to depend only upon Him.

Humiliation and Rejection - The Prophet's Teachers

God teaches His prophets through repeated humiliation and rejection to seek only His approval and not that of others. The prophet is not even allowed to depend upon the Church or other Christians - only God. It should not be surprising though with the way which some Christians act. In fact, many times the ones who should support the prophets are the ones who turn on them and devour them. Although the prophet may not be facing this right now, eventually he will because all prophets have their critics and even enemies. Just as Jesus faced rejection by the church leaders and His family, prophets will endure the same thing from those who should be the most supportive. Scriptures tell us that Jesus was rejected by those who lived around him - his family, friends and townspeople. Scripture tells us that they were offended by Him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. ⁽³⁴⁾

If Jesus Himself was rejected by those who should have been most supportive, then why are prophets surprised when they are rejected, maligned and mistreated by those closest to them? The true prophets of God should expect such hostile treatment also. If the prophet always has the favor of the people, then he is not a true prophet of God. Jesus warned, Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. ⁽³⁵⁾ If a prophet speaks God's words, then he will be attacked - often viciously and fatally. This is because many people do not want to hear God's word so they attack the messenger - His prophet. For this reason, the prophet has to learn to lean upon God and gain His support, approval and understanding and not those of mere mortal men and women, even if they are God's people. Remember that it was the Jewish church leaders who crucified Jesus.

Just because someone calls himself a Christian, does not mean that he follows Christ. In their rebellion, many people turn away from God. God described them to Isaiah. He said,

That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. ⁽³⁶⁾

Although they are in rebellion, however, God still sends His prophets to encourage them to repent and to warn them of the impending judgment to fall upon them if they continue in their sin. The people reject God's warning and mercy though. In Jeremiah, we read that God told the rebellious people, And the Lord hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. ⁽³⁷⁾ God will hold them accountable, however - not only for their wickedness but also for their mistreatment of His prophets!

Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. ⁽³⁸⁾

God Will Avenge and Reward His Prophets

God will avenge His prophets - those who have stood before the wicked people and faithfully spoken in His name. God has not forgotten them. In fact, in Revelations we read that the prophets are told: Rejoice over her [Babylon, the wicked one], thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. ⁽³⁹⁾ God's judgment has fallen on the great wicked Babylon, a symbol of man's power and wickedness. Many prophets have spoken before the people who have drank of her wine. The people reject God and pour out the blood of His prophets. The blood of the prophets calls out for justice though and God will answer it.

The wicked think that they have won because they have destroyed some of God's prophets. They may have killed the messenger but they have not destroyed God's word - His judgment will fall upon them and destroy them. Just as the true prophet of God warned, God will judge those who continue in their rebellion - whether the prophet is around to see it or not.

Although the life of a prophet may be very difficult and lonesome, he knows that God will reward his faithfulness. It is for this reason that the prophets - who have suffered at the hands of the wicked - rejoice! They know that has not abandon them. He will reward their loyalty.

Jesus told His disciples, Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. ⁽⁴⁰⁾ Those who stand for God, whether prophet or disciple, shall be persecuted by man but rewarded by God. As the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Christians in Rome, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ⁽⁴¹⁾ Having already experienced the Presence of God, the prophet knows that one day He will come into God's Presence and never have to leave it. For that privilege, the prophet is willing to pay any price - including rejection, humiliation and degradation by others who can never really understand him.
 

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