Go and tell!

Did you know that God wants His people to be prophets? Prophet! That’s a frightening word for me. It brings up images of an angry man, shouting at the top of his lungs about the sins on which God will pour out His wrath. But, that is only one picture of a prophet. God’s spokespersons don’t have to be angry, nor do they have to shout. A prophet is a person who is full of God’s Spirit and whose life is a message, sometimes of judgment but mostly of grace. If you struggle with the word ‘prophet,’ try messenger. God wants you to be His messenger!Jesus’ last words to His followers were, “Go and tell!” “Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all." (Mark 16:15, The Message)

What an awesome responsibility He gave to us and a privilege, too. We are authorized to speak on God’s behalf. Paul calls us “Christ’s ambassadors” who are authorized to call people to peace with God. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others.” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)

It has been my experience that most people do not need to be hit over the head with a denunciation of their failures and sins. They know, too well, the ache of guilt, the loneliness of alienation from their Creator. They may not understand their symptoms, and may even misinterpret them. That is why Spirit-filled Believers are sent to represent the Kingdom. As we live in the Spirit, lives marked by the love of God, purposeful and rich with joy, without words the message is ‘heard.’ When others ask about our hopefulness, our peace, Peter says, ‘be ready to explain it.’ (1 Peter 3:15)

Let me encourage you to think through your role as God’s messenger. Major on grace first! Present God’s invitation to life. Yesterday I was told two stories where Christians meant well, but did more harm than good. In one case it was a family gathering where the Believers felt they needed to point out the ‘sin’ they saw in the lives of those who were not ‘Christians.’ Finger-pointing is seldom a good way to gain the ear of another who we feel is in need. “You sinner!” is not a good opening line! Even I, as a Believer, dread encounters with those who think that their prophetic mission is to correct, poking at my sins and sensitivities until they have managed to arouse my anger. Yes, I know, we must tell the truth – but the trust doesn’t always have to start with a denunciation of another’s failing, does it? The other situation was a gathering of hundreds who had come to a special benefit concert for people whose lives were wrecked by Hurricane Katrina. It was a night advertised as an event where people could come together for hope. One speaker decided it was a good time to make sure that everyone in the room ‘understood’ that New Orleans was devastated by the hand of God in direct retribution for her many sins of debauchery! Thankfully another speaker was able to quickly remind people that even if that were true, ‘where sin increases, God’s grace increases all the more!’

This week look for ways to be prophetic! That’s right—to be God’s representative, speaking the message of the Kingdom. It is a message of hope, restoration, and promise that needs to be proclaimed, first in the way we live, and then, in the words we speak._____________________________________

Miracle in My Heart- Author: Brian Houston

We are called to be prophets to this nation,
to be the word of God in every situation,
Change my heart - Change my heart today.

Lord, loose the chains of oppression!
Lord, set the captives free!
Lord, fill my heart with compassion!
Shine Your light, Shine Your Light,
Shine Your light thru me.

Work a miracle in my heart, Oh Lord, today.