In what ways can we ensure we honor God's prophets today? Setting the Scene—Matthew 23:35 “And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.” Jesus condemns those who rejected and killed God’s messengers, reminding His listeners that from Genesis (Abel) to Chronicles (Zechariah), the pattern of silencing prophets brings judgment. Honoring prophets today means refusing that pattern and embracing the opposite spirit. Remember Why Prophets Matter • They speak God’s word with God’s authority (Jeremiah 1:9). • They call people back to covenant faithfulness (2 Kings 17:13). • Ignoring them invites discipline; heeding them brings blessing (2 Chronicles 36:15–16; Ezra 5:1–2). Listen First to Scripture—the Completed Prophetic Record • All Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) and stands as the permanent prophetic voice. • We honor every prophet by reading, believing, and obeying what the Holy Spirit inspired them to write. – Daily intake (Psalm 119:97). – Careful study in context (Acts 17:11). – Immediate application (James 1:22). Test Modern Claims to Prophetic Gift • “Do not despise prophecies, but test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). • Criteria for discernment: – Consistency with the written Word (Galatians 1:8). – Fruit of holiness and love (Matthew 7:15-20). – Fulfillment of what is foretold (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). • Reject any message that contradicts Scripture, regardless of charisma or popularity. Practical Ways to Honor God’s Prophets Today • Receive their message with humility, not hostility (Acts 2:37 vs. Acts 7:54). • Repent promptly when confronted with sin, like David before Nathan (2 Samuel 12:13). • Support faithful messengers: – Materially (1 Corinthians 9:14). – Emotionally—encouraging words, listening ears (2 Timothy 1:16-18). • Defend them against slander or persecution (Hebrews 13:3). • Pray regularly for boldness and protection (Ephesians 6:19-20). • Preserve and share their teachings with the next generation (2 Timothy 2:2). • Imitate their faith and endurance (Hebrews 13:7; James 5:10-11). Guard Against the Sin of Bloodguilt • Refuse to participate in character assassination, gossip, or cancel-culture targeting God’s servants. • Speak up when truth is maligned, even at personal cost (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Cultivate hearts that love the truth so deception finds no foothold (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Living the Message • Abel’s righteous witness still “speaks” (Hebrews 11:4). • Zechariah’s blood cried out for justice; Christ’s blood now speaks a better word—mercy for all who believe (Hebrews 12:24). Walking in obedience to that redeeming mercy, we honor every prophet who ever pointed to the Holy One and refused to be silenced. |
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