04/04/2025
Hour of Refreshing Daily Devotion
Date Friday 4th April 2025
Topic: Who is a Prophet?
Text: Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
A prophet is a divine spokesperson, one who receives revelations from God and declares His message to the people. In the Old Testament, prophets played a crucial role in guiding Israel, calling them to repentance, and foretelling events. The New Testament also recognizes prophets as part of the fivefold ministry (Ephesians 4:11).
The Calling and Role of a Prophet
A prophet does not speak of his own accord but delivers the Word of the Lord. The Bible states in Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." This signifies that prophetic calling is divine and predestined.
A Biblical Example: Elijah the Prophet
One of the most powerful prophets in Scripture is Elijah. In 1 Kings 18, he stood alone against 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, proving that Jehovah is the true God. The people had turned to idolatry under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah, as God’s prophet, called for a contest: both he and the false prophets would prepare a sacrifice, but only the true God would answer by fire. The prophets of Baal cried out to their god, but there was no response. When Elijah prayed, God sent fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice. The people fell on their faces and declared, "The LORD, he is the God" (1 Kings 18:39).
This story exemplifies a prophet’s role: calling people back to righteousness, demonstrating God’s power, and interceding for His people.
The Characteristics of a True Prophet
1. Speaks God’s Word: A true prophet declares only what God commands (Deuteronomy 18:18).
2. Foretells Future Events: As seen in Daniel’s visions and Isaiah’s prophecies about Christ (Isaiah 53).
3. Calls for Repentance: Jonah was sent to Nineveh
