Prophets -Unwelcome, Unloved and Rejected

Prophecy according to Paul is an important spiritual gift we should eagerly desire. But if we use such a gift in the local church will we be welcomed?  A true prophet is not to be recognised by an occasional, “dear children, God loves you”, but someone who is willing to speak God’s message, his truth in order to strengthen his people. There are times when local communities of believers need words of comfort and encouragement but prophets also speak words of rebuke and correction. Sometimes they foretell an event but more often they say things that are particularly relevant to a group of believers at a particular time.  These, often, difficult messages may be spoken through a sermon or written in an email or said face to face to an individual. But some leaders struggle to give space and encouragement for a prophet to challenge the status quo, to ask difficult questions or to contradict received wisdom.  Perhaps this is why a prophet is often unwelcome in his own community. Prophets sooner or later are going to offend people, not because they get it wrong (though this happens) but because God’s message is sometimes extremely uncomfortable. They put God’s finger on sin and as a result get strong opposition from those who feel threatened or insecure. It is good to pray that there would be a prophetic element to our ministry but also that we would encourage those who are brave enough to speak God’s word to a complacent and resistant community.

Father, help us to welcome your message even when it’s difficult to receive.