Prophetic Perseverance

How do they do it? How do they prophesy?

Jacob H. Kaplan wrote, “The prophets are conscious of a divine call. They do not speak of a resolution or purpose, framed by themselves, to devote themselves to their vocation; but they describe a moment in which they received a call.” [1]

Their unique ministries were not born of self-motivation or self-will. The Lord called them. The callings of Moses, Samuel, Amos, and Jeremiah are described in the Bible. [2]  God’s presence in their lives moved them to do what otherwise they would not have chosen to do. At one particularly low point in his ministry, Jeremiah wrote...

“O Lord, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; everyone mocks me. For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, ‘Violence and plunder!’ Because the Word of the Lord was made to me a reproach and a derision daily. Then I said, ‘I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.’ But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.” [3]

After being mocked, Jeremiah did not want to speak for God. But the Lord compelled Him. The Lord was stronger than him. The Lord prevailed upon him. God’s Word was like fire in his bones. He was too weak to hold it back. He could not but speak for God.

God works in His servants both to will and to do His good pleasure. Otherwise, they would fail. James advises us: “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” [4]

The Lord has compassion and mercy on us when we experience persecution due to speaking for Him. “Yes, Heavenly Father, please continue to strengthen our resolve to speak for you. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

[1] Jacob H. Kaplan PhD, Psychology of Prophecy, Philadelphia, Julius H. Green, © 1908, p.83

[2] Exodus3:4; 1 Samuel 3:1-ff; Amos 3:8, 7:14-15; Jeremiah 1:4-10
[3] Jeremiah 20:7-9
[4]  Philippians 2:13; James 5:10-11

Lift High the Name of Jesus

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples of Jesus to speak a language that was understandable to a multitude of diverse people who normally could not understand them. The Holy Spirit anointed the disciples to speak of Jesus with bold convictions. Later, when the disciples were commanded by religious authorities not to speak of Jesus, they replied, “We are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” [1]

 The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to glorify Jesus Christ:
“He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God,
The firstborn over all creation.
By Him, all things were created that are...

In heaven and that are on earth,
Visible and invisible,
Whether thrones or dominions,
Or principalities or powers.
All things were created through Him and for Him.
He is before all things,
In Him all things consist.
He is the head of the body, the Church,
He is the beginning,

The firstborn from the dead,
That in all things He may have the preeminence.” [2]

The Holy Spirit empowers tongues to speak the Name of Jesus with joy and adoration. His Name is the sound of heaven because in heaven angels and saints sing His praises. His Name is wonderful! His Name is above all others. Faith in His Name saves us. Miracles happen in the Name of Jesus. So, let us lift high the Name of Jesus!

[1] Acts 5:32
[2] Colossians 1:15-18