In modern times, there
are any number of misconceptions of what a prophet was, or wasn't in the time
of Ancient Hebrews. Every time a war
breaks out, tensions between nations arise, massive death due to natural
disasters of some kind, there is a shout out for the “End Times, Last Days, Judgment
Day etc.” Thing is the end of the world
comes for us all it happens when we stop breathing. In that moment judgment is made – your body
whether it decides for itself – cause that’s what bodies do, or “it’s just our
time”, or some type of divine intervention – the judgment is – your finished in
this world – we don’t exactly “know” with any certainty what comes next.
I resist the
designation prophet. I was taught that
the “age of prophets” is over, the prophets where “holy,” “saintly” “respected”
“priestly.” So let me flush this out a bit.
Indeed some were priests and carried official title to the claim
prophet. Most were ordinary folks, shepherds,
scribes, merchants and farmers. They all
grew to be deeply faithful to the Creator.
Moses known as the “Law Giver”, a slave, advocate and activist; Deborah
in the book of Judges is recognized as a “prophetess” is a Judge or Governor –
Indeed folks even in the ancient world a woman could aspire; Samuel a miracle
child given over to be a priest – anointer of Kings; Elijah the international diplomat;
Elisha the miracle worker; Isaiah likely an academic & scribe; Jeremiah the
reluctant whiner; Jonah the rebellious prosecutioner; Daniel the visionary
& dream interpreter, and many more greater & lesser, men & women.
I write as one who
believes, prays, and studies history, culture, social and governing structures
along with ponders, dreams, questions & experiences life. I write as one “inspired” by/through this
reality. I see, hear, smell, taste &
touch the world around me. I feel
emotions deeply, those that come boiling up from within, & those that
radiate from others. As a result I am
keenly aware of injustice & am outraged – AND – I have experienced the
power of divine love & forgiveness. I
experience - I see - I ponder - I pray – I hear – I speak – I name what is and
what is probable – I live in reality and speak with faithful Hope.
Each of the
prophets, within the context they found themselves, questioned, prayed,
experienced – FELT - and SPOKE – into that context – what was and what could be
– named the truth in reality, pointing to the probable consequences – for good
or ill – and offered hope. Those that
got in the book got in because – in spite of each being persecuted in their
time – what they said was truth and revealed itself by becoming reality.
Do the prophets
speak to us today? Damn straight they do
– not because they knew our future – but because they understood the reality of
their circumstances, interpreted that reality, were inspired to speak into that
reality and it came to fruition. AND, guess
what folks– we are human and we have a tendency to repeat history. Are
there present day prophets? That is for
you to decide.
Live Freely – Love
Fully – Speak Boldly
