Is the pastor a prophet?
March 19, 2008 (Wednesday)
Senator Obama has spent some time lately trying to explain how he could still be friends with his pastor. Seems the preacher has said a lot of things that are embarrassing to some members, including Obama.
It’s not unusual for the preacher to say some things with which many in his congregation disagree. Sometimes the preacher is just flat wrong in what he says, and should be repudiated. At other times, however, what he is saying is not wrong, but it’s very unpopular.
The prophets of old were very good at saying unpopular things. At times it was very dangerous for them to speak out on issues, especially if the issues involved the king. If the king didn’t like the message, he could have the preacher killed, and that was that. When the spokesman for God spoke out against ungodliness and injustice, then, it was not just a “strong sermon;” it was dangerous. Elijah spoke out against the sins of Ahab and Jezebel, and then found himself on the run when she threatened his life.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.” In other words, speaking the truth can stir up opposition. As the Old Testament prophets spoke the words God gave them, so ministers today are to accept the prophetic mantle and proclaim, “Let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24 ASV).