The Prophet

This past week, I’ve been in the book of James, and today I was reading James 5 and vs 10-11 really struck me … LISTEN to the prophet!  Prophets have been sent out amongst the body and only some are listening!  The entire 5-fold ministry (Eph. 4:11 - apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers) must be in action within the body today and the prophet is there, with an important message, but many are rejecting the message AND the messenger.   Matt. 10:41 says that, “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward: and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.”  Unfortunately, many within the body are quick to keep their ‘religion’, their ‘traditions’ rather than listen and get ready for what is coming.  The prophet is sent to prepare the hearts of the people for what is coming.  Many are quick to ignore, kick out, or even stone the prophet, because he doesn’t usually come with the ‘fluffy’ message everyone wants to hear – he comes with the message of imminent judgment.  Matt. 23:37 says, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones them that are sent unto her! How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”  Time is short!  We must be willing to listen and to obey the word.