Churches are often listed as non-profit organizations. Sadly, many have become “non-prophet” organizations. Can we find a prophet in the pulpit? James 5:10 exhorts, “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.”
First, a word of clarification. Many times we think of a prophet as a foretelling the future, when the emphasis in Scripture is “forth-telling” the truth. In both the Old Testament and New Testament, we find those who unveiled God’s program for the end of the age. These were a select few who were gifted for a specific season. Yet, much of what the prophets proclaimed confronted the contemporary spiritual state of the people. The preacher has a prophetic ministry in this sense today—not to reveal new truth, but to apply the already revealed truth to our age.
Thus, the primary duty of a prophetic ministry is SPEAKING. James said, “My brethren, take the prophets, WHO SPOKE in the name of the Lord, as an example…”[emphasis added]. What good is a preacher who does not proclaim the Word of the Lord? We are to preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God! We are not entertainers, but expositors.
As prophets of old, we are to speak with exegetical authority, evangelical urgency, emotional fervency, and eschatological clarity. The prophetic ministry has an authority that is exegetical—that is, it is grounded on the Rock of the eternal Word of God and not the shifting sands of current culture. It has an urgency that is evangelical—a matter of life and death, heaven or hell as we call people to decision. It has a fervency which is expressed emotionally—so there is not a dull recitation, but a passionate proclamation. Further, there will be a clarity resting in the revealed eschatological program of God for the consummation of the age.
In speaking, we must be prepared for SUFFERING. Again, we consider James 5:10, “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of SUFFERING...”[emphasis added]. You can be a church celebrity if you engagingly tell the people what they want to hear. Yet, a prophetic ministry will not bring applause from most, as it comforts them with sin and calls them to repentance.
The Word of God, thus clearly preached will be as popular as scales to a fat person or a mirror to an ugly one! Still, there are some who will purpose to get in shape and enhance their appearance because of the truth of the scales and the mirrors. But, whether people accept it or are angered by it, the preacher is to proclaim it. The prophetic preacher must be prepared for suffering, however, because the mob will rise against him.
Finally, James stresses the need for SUSTAINING. “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and PATIENCE,” [emphasis added]. If the preacher embraces his call to prophetic ministry, he has his eye on eternity. It is not short term success that seeks human applause, but the long goal of faithfulness and fruitfulness that secures heaven’s approval that is our focus. This will sustain us in the suffering that comes from our speaking.
It is easy to quit in the face of angry church members. It is more comfortable to back down and trim the truth to suit the desires of the congregation. It is easy to say, “Woe is me,” when the people arise against our message of, “Woe be to you,” and become bitter and harsh. Yet, we can sustain our calling; the prophets did it and God will enable us.
One of my Fruitland professors, the late William W. Willingham used to encourage us with this song, and I hope it will do so for you.
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
We're tossed and driven on , no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
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