Where Are The True Prophets Of God?

Yet the LORD sent prophets to bring them back to him. The prophets warned them, but still the people would not listen. [2 Chronicles 24.19]

With only a little review of the Old Testament writings, it becomes evident that all the true prophets of God mentioned in the Bible pretty much addressed the same problem: idolatry (and the sin born of idolatry). For this reason, prophets were usually less popular than others. Quite often, their address of idolatry dealt with future events only further alienating them from the status quo crowd.

It should come as no surprise that the office of the prophet is little understood today because the problem of idolatry is all but overlooked or worse, ignored. Or, it might just be that the problem of idolatry is not recognized because there are no true prophets of God warning the people!

As much as religious people like to downplay to role of the prophet today, there is convincing evidence of its validity in New Testament times through the writings of the Apostle Paul:

Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. [1 Corinthians 12.28]

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. [Ephesians 4.11]

What does this mean? To be sure, New Testament recognition of the role of "prophet" is confirmation that idolatry remains a valid topic of warning today just as it has throughout the entire history of God's people.

The unpleasant truth however is that people still will not listen...

Even though Jesus pointed this out early in His ministry, people still will not listen:

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [Matthew 7.13-14]

The true prophet of God in the Old Testament pointed to the Ten Commandments that presented God as the ONLY way with no substitutes or additions (idols).

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. [Exodus 20.2-3]

The true prophet of God in the New Testament points out that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to God with no substitutes or additions (idols).

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [John 14.6]

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

Jesus did not make these demands because idolatry would never again be a problem! He made these demands because He knew full well that, as history continues to repeat itself, idolatry would pace the advancements of humanity requiring continued warning. In Jesus' own prophetic way, He knew idolatry would be worse today than it has ever been... 

Where are the true prophets of God?

Father, restore true prophets to us today - not those who tickle our ears making us feel good about ourselves, but those who will boldly decry idolatry and its blinding effect upon Your people ...before it's too late. So be it.