We are continuing our discussion of modern-day prophecies of doom and gloom that are not well received and often dismissed as fear-mongering. Today I would like to reflect on why prophets continue to share such uncomfortable messages that nobody wants to hear.
When we study the Word we find that today's prophecies are not any different from that of the prophets of Old. We also find that the reaction of the people at that time was not different from what we are seeing today. The Prophet Jeremiah became the laughingstock because of his unpopular messages of doom, destruction and captivity. He was imprisoned and thrown into a cistern, and yet he could not remain quiet. He said, "For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, 'Violence and destruction!' For the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long. If I say, 'I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name, there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot" (Jer.20:8-9). When God gives a prophet a message it is difficult, and according to Jeremiah, impossible to contain it without sharing it.
This was Apostle John's experience after receiving the end times visions: "And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it; it was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. And I was told, "You must prophesy about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings'" (Rev.10:9-10). I have heard about these experiences of fire in their bones and bitterness in their bellies from modern-day prophets. It appears that when one receives a message from the Father, one cannot rest until the message is delivered.
When considering the stern warning by the Most High Father in Ezekiel 33, acting in obedience to the call of a prophet is wisdom. This is Father's warning: "So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life" (Eze.33:7-9). Prophets are therefore compelled to speak, regardless of how chilling or unfathomable the message may sound.
Let us therefore not shoot the messenger. But let us thank the Most High Father for warning us of things to come. Let us pray for those willing vessels being used by the Most High Father regardless of the mocking and scoffing that they often endure.
My Prayer
Father AHAYAH, thank you for Your unfailing love for us. Please forgive us for straying from Your commandments and for being a stiff-necked and rebellious generation. Thank you that You continue to call us back to You. Forgive us for our slowness to listen and to change our ways so that it has become necessary for You to apply judgements to bring us to our senses and back to You. Thank you that you do nothing before You reveal Your plans through Your servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7). Thank you for these men and women who are today bringing Your warnings to us. Forgive us for not treating them with the respect they deserve. Father, please bless them and protected them. We pray in the name of Holy YashaYah. Aman.