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