Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:18
[And the Lord said] 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.
Thought for the Day: Rabbi Abraham Heschel spoke of how the prophet’s true greatness was found in his/her ability to hold God and humanity in a single thought. The words of the prophet can often sound sharp to the human ears, and there is no question that there were many who despised the prophets of the Lord. Yet the prophet never set out to intentionally hurt anyone. The prophetic utterances gave witness to both the hope of God and current place of humanity. The prophet then attempted to move, not God, but humanity toward the high calling of God. If the faithful were ever going to be a true witness for God, then they had to resemble the nature of God. Nothing ticked off a prophet more than those who claimed to resemble God, but then promoted injustice toward the weak, poor, orphan, widow and immigrant. The prophet would speak, shout, dance and embody God’s displeasure, but also do the same in promoting God’s redemptive hope. Too often the hypocrisy of some was so entrenched that they were unable to perceive God’s love in the act of the prophetic invitation to change. Even then, God remained patiently persistent.
Prayer: Giver of Life-Infused Words, continue to challenge me through the true prophets who want nothing more than the best I can give. Help me to hear your love even when I find myself feeling very uncomfortable. Nudge me; challenge me; call me into the faithfulness you believe I can live. Amen.
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On The Prophet
Elijah
