MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
When faced with difficult circumstances, confusing choices or challenges, it would be helpful to know what God thinks about what's happening. The God of Hebrews and Christians is one who speaks to His people. Throughout the Old Testament, He used intermediaries to deliver messages to His people. A New Testament scripture, written after Jesus died, reads, "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets, ... in these last days has spoken to us in His Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Sometimes we think of prophets as fortunetellers, someone who predicts the future. However, prophets in the Old and New Testament spoke God’s truth for the present, helping their listeners formulate choices, or deal with issues. Their words gave insight into God’s will, and advised in decision-making for the present, which also impacted the future.
Moses is thought of as a great lawgiver, but in reality he did not give the Law; he was the spokesman who communicated God's truth to Israel. Moses quoted God, "'I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him'" (Deuteronomy 18:18). Moses was given the authority to speak for God, but Jesus, who came centuries later, possesses all authority in heaven and earth. He is unique in the role of prophet because He doesn't just communicate God's will; He demonstrates it. Jesus not only speaks God’s word; He is the very Word of God, and the fullness of God's divine revelation.
Jonah as a prophet reluctantly shared God's call to repentance with Nineveh. He assumed that his message would mean their destruction, but the people listened, repented, and were delivered (Jonah 3:5-10). Prophecy is not always fatalistic; it offers an opportunity for humans to use free will and make decisions right now that can change the future.
Immediately after Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, He went to the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth. He was handed a scroll, and "...found the place where it was written [Isaiah 61:1-2], 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord'" (Luke 4:17-19). He continued, "'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing'".
At first the townspeople were intrigued, but as Jesus made pointed references to persecution of other prophets like Elijah and Elisha (Luke 4:23-27), they became enraged, driving Him from the synagogue, and intending to throw Him off a cliff. They realized He was proclaiming Himself as the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the Messiah.
Three years later, when Jesus knew His earthly ministry was drawing to a close, He wanted to help the disciples as they faced changes. They'd been with Him nearly every day, and they struggled with the idea they would be on their own. So, He did what a prophet does - comforts, and gives direction and correction. "'Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you'" (John 14:1-2).
When he says, "fear not", His perfect love dispels fear (1 John 4:18). His abiding presence is with us always. "'And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever'" (John 14:16). The life of Jesus shines light on the heart and character of God (John 14:9), allowing us to "walk in the light".
A tangible example of walking in light is the transfiguration, when Peter, James and John were with Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus' "face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light". Moses and Elijah appeared with Him, and God's words came out of the cloud: "'listen to Him!'" (Matthew 17:2,5). The message is for us as well; out of hearing must come response and obedience. Prophecies are spoken for our good, and we miss the blessing if we don't act on what we hear.
So, get to know the mind and heart of Jesus, before and during times of decision-making. Take time to know His behaviors. Look at what He said and did, spend time daily with His word. Also work on your prayer life. As we pray and draw closer, we're better able to discern whether what we're hearing is from God. Other people, our own emotions, even personal desires, can override the voice of God if we aren't walking in His light. Finally, give thanks to God who all He's done and what lies ahead.
