PrayerBits for Thursday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Thursday

Scripture lesson: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Prophets

Time to reflect: This passage documents the creation of the office of Prophet. It was an official position in the Temple – a paid profession. It's purpose was to put a buffer between God and the people. They would convey God's word to the people, collectively and personally. As is indicated, the problem that arose was that Prophets tended to give the message those paying them wanted, rather than what God had actually wanted said. Prophets that told the truth, like Jeremiah was always getting in trouble for it. Even though the historical office of Prophet died with the Temple, we still think of certain people as speaking in behalf of God – some honestly, some dishonestly.

Moving through the day: Who in our time do you view as a true Prophet and who do you view as a false Prophet? What Prophets say things that get them in trouble? How well do you accept a prophetic word that you don't like to hear?

Scripture:

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die."

 The LORD said to me: "What they say is good. 1I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death."