In what ways can we better "listen to His servants the prophets" today? The Call to Hear God’s Spokesmen “‘We have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name…’” (Daniel 9:6). Daniel’s confession still challenges us: will we be people who pay attention when God speaks, or will we repeat Israel’s mistake? Why Prophetic Voices Still Matter • All Scripture—much of it prophetic—“is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • “We also have the prophetic word as something altogether reliable” (2 Peter 1:19). The written Word remains our clearest prophetic voice. • Jesus Himself affirmed and fulfilled the prophets (Luke 24:27); listening to them is ultimately listening to Him (Hebrews 1:1-2). Practical Ways to Listen Today 1. Saturate yourself in the prophetic books • Read them systematically, not just selectively (Acts 20:27). • Note the historical setting, yet seek timeless principles (Romans 15:4). 2. Receive their message as God’s own word • Approach Scripture with humility, saying, “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). • Expect conviction, comfort, and direction—not mere information (Jeremiah 23:29). 3. Obey promptly and completely • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • The blessing follows obedience: “Believe His prophets, and you will succeed” (2 Chronicles 20:20). 4. Test every contemporary “prophetic” claim • “Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). • The plumb line is always written Scripture (Galatians 1:8). 5. Cultivate a repentant heart • Old-Testament prophets chiefly called God’s people to repentance (Isaiah 1:16-18). • Regular self-examination keeps our ears unclogged (Psalm 139:23-24). 6. Engage in corporate hearing • Public reading of Scripture was normal in Israel and the early church (Nehemiah 8:8; 1 Timothy 4:13). • Discuss prophetic passages together; iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). 7. Lean on the Holy Spirit • “The Holy Spirit will teach you all things” (John 14:26). • Prayerfully ask Him to illuminate and apply prophetic truth (Ephesians 1:17-18). Barriers to Hearing—and How to Clear Them • Unbelief → Choose to trust God’s integrity (Numbers 23:19). • Distraction → Set aside protected, screen-free time with the Word (Mark 1:35). • Selective listening → Resist the urge to skip hard passages; all are profitable (Jeremiah 26:2). • Cultural compromise → Renew your mind daily so worldly thinking doesn’t muffle God’s voice (Romans 12:2). The Expected Fruit of Listening • Deeper worship: prophetic glimpses of God’s holiness ignite awe (Isaiah 6:1-3). • Steadfast hope: promises anchor us amid turmoil (Hebrews 6:19). • Bold witness: understanding God’s plan fuels evangelism (Acts 2:16-21). • Moral clarity: prophetic warnings sharpen conscience (Amos 5:24). Closing Encouragement Revelation 1:3 pronounces a blessing on those who read, hear, and keep the prophetic words. Let’s prize that blessing. Open the Book daily, welcome its prophets, and let their Spirit-inspired voices shape every thought, decision, and longing. |
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