July 2
2 Kings 20:1-22:2 | PS 150:1-6 | Prov 18:9-10 | Acts 21:18-36
A prophet, in the general sense, is one who speaks forth God's truth to others. It comes from the Greek word, prophetes, which means "one who speaks forth". Concerning the prophets in the Old Testament, it is said about them in 1 Peter 1:12, "To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into." Their trust in God was such that they spoke forth God's words, not fully comprehending at times how these words would actually unfold in the future. They also spoke it forth without compromise, whether the news would be taken well or otherwise. We are called to be God's ambassadors, His prophets, at such a time as this. We may not be given a fresh revelation, but armed with God's Word, the Bible, we are to speak it forth, no matter how it might be received. How we need boldness for these days. We may be hated for it, but compromise, when it comes to the things of God is weakness, and can't be tolerated among God's people.
We read in 2 Kings 20:1, " And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’ ” That was very bold, and very bad news for a good king, like Hezekiah, considering he was only 39 years old. But Isaiah did not hold back. Then we read in 20:5-6, " “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake, and for the sake of My servant David.” ’ ” He now had the pleasure of telling Hezekiah good news. These words were clear, and would have been understood by the recipient. But many of Isaiah's prophecies spoke of future events, which the prophet did not comprehend, such as Isaiah 53, which spoke of the first coming of our Messiah, Jesus Christ.
When you see a pride flag or a BLM banner outside a church, you don't need to know much else, there are no prophets leading in that church. If seeking a church, take time to read their mission statement on line, or ask one of the leaders what they stand for. If "woke" ideologies are included, run, for once again there are no prophets there. God's Word does not speak in shades of gray, it is black and white. We read in Luke 9:26, the words of Jesus, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's and of the holy angels." God's Word is His Word, and He has the final word on every issue. We simply need to speak it forth, not worrying how it will be received or if it will hurt anyone's feelings. We need to consider being honest before God more than sparing our friends. Sparing our friend's feelings may seem kind at the moment, but it has catastrophic consequences.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: