Often, we simply think of a prophet as one who foretells the future. But a prophet is also one who forth tells: brings forth the truth of God's Word. A prophet is to speak to people on behalf of God. He does not come with his own message but he speaks whatever God has commanded him.
Men must proclaim the Word of God to their wives, children, brothers, sisters, parents, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and people in the church.
This presumes that before men can speak the truth of God's Word to others that they know the truth of God's Word for themselves. Men cannot function in their role as prophet if they do not study to understand the Word of God.
For all husbands and fathers (and those desiring to be), you are the prophet of your family. You are to be the primary teacher of God's Word in your home.
Another duty of the prophet is to point out and identify sin. Men must boldly declare and identify sin (especially in our families and churches). Too many men are silent when they need to speak up! Sometimes they see sin in their wives or children and they say nothing! You are the prophet, open your mouth, and declare what the Word of God says!
Not only must they identify sin in others, but they must identify their own sin. Men are not perfect and must continually examine themselves and their motives and repent to their Heavenly Father. Men must not be too big or prideful that they cannot say they are sorry or seek the help of other godly men when they are struggling with sin.
Another duty of the prophet is to be a watchman. Men are watchmen for their homes and churches. Men are to be on the lookout for spiritual attacks from Satan. Many of us are either asleep on the job or too distracted by other things that we are allowing the enemy to go past us into our homes and into the church. Many men do not know what music their kids are listening to, shows they are watching, who their friends are, or what's being taught at school. Again, men cannot be complacent and silent like Adam was when the serpent was talking and influencing his wife.
The role of prophet is an important role. But you cannot perform this role without Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer. He is the One who saves us.
Jesus is the ultimate prophet. Jesus as prophet is proclaiming the good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, sight to the blind, and freedom to those oppressed!
Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ. And only in a relationship with Jesus, can any of us men function in the role of prophet.
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