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RP HOME GROUNDWORKS God's Covenant Copyright ©2000 |
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21. The Preparation of the Prophet
Prophets and Prophetic Words Weekly Newsletter Series by Mark W. Weaver Three Safeguards for God's Prophets | Series Overview
Being one of God's spokespeople is a daunting responsibility. Hearing and communicating clearly are but two of the challenges that we face. Last week we looked at the imperative of safeguarding against error. This week we will be looking at the methodology that God uses to keep His servants in His hand.
Waiting often includes extended seasons of great trial and testing. Jacob, one of the three patriarchs by which God identified Himself to Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:6), rushed ahead of God several times and paid a severe penalty. Having understood, even in his mother's womb, that he was to be the chosen one, Jacob grasped the heel of his twin brother, Esau, in an attempt to be the first-born. (Gen 25:26) He did not succeed. Desperately longing to possess his inheritance, he purchased his hungry brother's birthright with the price of a meal. (Gen 25:29-34) Later, with his prodding mother's assistance, he deceived his father into giving him the patriarchal blessing. (Gen 27:26-29) None of these efforts brought Jacob to where God had called him to be.
Twenty-one years later, after painful lessons under the hand of his uncle Laban, Jacob finally began to learn that God's release into the fulness of one's calling is not something to be grasped for but rather something to wait for with patience and faith. Jacob's preparation climaxed at his wrestling match with the angel. Defeated, yet victorious, Jacob experienced the angel's touch in his thigh, a touch that some believe lamed Jacob for life. His natural strength finally subdued, Jacob entreated the angel for a blessing before his departure. He finally understood that God's ways are not man's ways. (Gen 32:24-32) Did he walk with a limp for the rest of his life?
The scriptures refer to Moses' wilderness experience in Midian simply as a "process of time" (Ex. 2:23). Do you think in that "process of time" tending Jethro's flock, that Moses became familiar with God's voice? After all, he did not flee when God spoke to him out of the burning bush. During that 40-year preparation period, God no doubt taught Moses about human nature and relationships, kings and kingdoms, eternal principles and His very own heart.
In spite of the pain and heartache, there is no substitute for the wilderness experience, or the "dark night of the soul" as a training ground for prophetic ministry. For it is in the "dark place" that we truly come to know God.
In our microwave, high-speed, DSL-connected world, we often become impatient as we wait for a connection.
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Next week, we will look further into this theme of how God prepares His prophets for service when we examine The Prophet's Soul Pain Filter.
Articles are published online one week after they go out in email form.
GroundWorks is an imprint of Reconciliation Press. The name has been chosen to reflect the biblical idea of roots and foundations in Christian life and culture. As you read these weekly articles, look for words and imagery in the text that illustrate these themes.
Only registered subscribers will receive this newsletter. It will not come to you without your permission. If you have received this newsletter because a friend forwarded it to you and would like to be added to our email list, please return to the Series Overview and fill out the subscription form at the bottom of the page. Feel free to forward this email to your friends. If you have received this article in error, please accept my apology. Notify me, and if you are on the list, I will remove your name. You can reach me at mark@reconciliation.com. Copyright © 2000
is the co-author of The Century War Chronicles and the co-founder of Reconciliation Press.
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God is gracious and patient. In His long-term plans to bring redemption to His creation, He has not rushed the process. Although he has provided support for His prophets in His Word and through the Church, He does not force them to comply or follow His guidelines. In fact, He has lovingly persevered with the wayward human race for millennia. He did not rush into sending His Son but waited for the fullness of time. (Gal. 4:4) Four thousand years of human history elapsed between the entry of sin and the entry of the Savior. So it is not surprising that in His way of doing things, He oftimes leads His prophets through a maze of difficulty to prepare them for service.
God's work is rarely accomplished in short periods of time. Sometimes the waiting process is protracted over many years. The urge to rush into ministry must be avoided. We should wait patiently for our own "fullness of time" before we act.
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Saints of God, let us all remember: His Word is precious and not cheap. It is sometimes very hard to come by.
How about you? Do you have the patience for the process of preparation? Are you willing to wait upon God? Has God taken you through that "dark place" to prepare you for the fullness of ministry? Are you, perhaps, yet in the midst of great trial? Be encouraged. Know that God is working through the "process of time" in your life too. Send us your thoughts and comments.
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