Amos 3:7

Read Amos 3:7.

1. The Lord doesn't consult man but informs him.  The Lord is sovereign and doesn't need any advisers.
2. Oh, the grace and mercy of the Lord! -- that He would inform or warn before sending judgment. Chapters 3-5 contain three pronouncements concerning judgment, revealing God's intent.
3. The Lord reveals things to more than one.  Notice the plural "prophets."  This is to retard pride and diminish false prophecy.  Example:  If you and I both "hear" from the Lord, and what we each "hear" contradicts what the other "heard", then it is clear one or both of us didn't hear from the Lord. Prophecy must be judged.
4. Don't look to a prophet first; look to the Bible.  The Holy Spirit inspired it.  It is inerrant and infallible.

John, the Prophet (Mt 14:1-12)

Tuesday's reading was Matthew 14-17.

The people viewed John as a prophet (14:5). This section (14:1-12) has some insights about prophets and prophetic ministry.

1. Prophets must speak truthfully, even when they know it might set someone off. John told Herod, "It's not lawful for you to have her!"
2. Prophets must fear God more than they fear people. Sometimes prophets speak to average people like themselves. Other times they're called upon to confront dignitaries and authorities. The message shouldn't be altered because of status or lack of it.
3. Prophets should expect mistreatment. Count on it: Prophets will be mistreated, misinterpreted, misrepresented and disrespected. Attempts will be made to silence them or slander them.
4. Prophets should be prepared to suffer. When you speak what God wants when God wants it and how God wants it, people may not welcome it. John was imprisoned. Eventually, he was martyred.