March 1, 2004

THE MIGHTY PROPHET

"And he said to them, 'What things?' And they said to him 'Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people' " (Luke 24:19, RSV).

Those who knew Him best described Jesus, in His prophetic role, as "a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people" (Luke 24:19). As a prophet, Jesus was God's supreme spokesman.

All prophets are called, anointed, and instructed by God to fulfill their prophetic mission. They speak in the name and by the authority of God. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they foretell future events and also foretell God's message for their people and their time. In His prophetic ministry, Jesus amply fulfilled all the expectations, qualifications, and functions of a true prophet.

Jesus was a prophet with a unique difference. He was unrivaled as a prophet because of His extraordinary deeds, His matchless character, His unparalleled greatness, and unequaled union with God. More than any other prophet, Jesus displayed God's power, declared God's purposes, revealed God's principles, and manifested God's presence. The disciples who knew Him best affirmed that Jesus was "a prophet mighty in deed and word" (Luke 24:19). This is conclusive evidence of Christ's prophetic ministry.

During His earthly ministry, Christ fulfilled the prophetic expectation: "The eternal Word came to our world to win the confidence of humanity. The prophet that had been revealed to Moses, like unto his brethren, whom they should hear in all things, came as man's Redeemer.. . The appointed instructor of man was no less a personage than the Son of God!"--Signs of the Times, April 15, 1897.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the mighty prophet, You have proclaimed God's will and revealed His character. Amen.