Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Prophets:A New Vision of the Messianic Age


Tina Suraj
Carmel MTC, MA
18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. 19 Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. 


“Where do you see yourself in five years?” This is a common question asked in many applications and interviews. Humans have a desire to anticipate, structure, plan, and foresee the future. Businesses project their profits and growth, economist predict the free market cycles, technology companies envision the most innovative inventions, and financial analysts try to forecast the most profitable investments. Prediction is pervasive in the modern world. Humans use science, technology, patterns, and even social behavior to predict the future. 

Throughout the narrative of the Bible, God sends prophets who proclaimed God’s words to his people using predictions. However, these predictions focus on the consequences of disobedience to God. In Exodus, God spoke directly to his people but they were terrified and implored for a mediator.  Prophets were those mediators and their function wasn’t to consult with the occult or perform a plethora of miracles. Their sole responsibility was to declare and interpret the word of God.

The literary setting of Deuteronomy is at the end of Moses’ life and he was the only leader the Israelites have known. His sermons were to prepare the wandering Israelites to bind their hearts to the one true God and instruct them on how to navigate their lives in the midst of a secular and pagan culture. Israel underwent a cyclical nature of repentance, obedience, and then even further and greater disobedience. Thus, God promised a prophet that would stop the cyclical nature and someone who will lead them into redemption.

Through Jesus Christ, we are able to discern God’s truth and he is the fulfillment of Moses’ prophecy. Jesus didn’t exist to predict the future, or to advance any socio-political agenda. His central role was to direct his people to God’s love and mercy. It was through Jesus that people were able to see God’s manifestation, truth and glory.


PRAYER


Father God, There is a lot of commotion and noise around us. The modern world wants to predict and foresee future events. Lord, guide us to know that our hearts and future solely rely on the Scripture and the words of Jesus Christ. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Do prophets still exist today or was the final prophet Jesus Christ?

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