Prophets in the Bible

Before Ellen White, there were many people God used to spread His messages, even if they lived more than 2000 years ago and occasionally had odd taste in clothes.

Many biblical prophets seem, at times, to be quite strange people. John the Baptist was no exception. He is introduced early in the Gospels as dressed in camel hair and eating wild foods.

More interesting than his diet though, were the things he said to people. Along with some pretty harsh accusations (Matthew 3:7), he called people to return to a life that was pleasing to God.

The Gospels refer to Isaiah 40:3 to explain John’s work. He was the voice “crying in the wilderness” and preparing the way for Jesus to come. That was his basic message: God is coming, so get prepared and live your life according to His ways.

When you look at Isaiah, you fi nd his message wasn’t all that diff erent to John’s message. Over and over, Isaiah reminded people of the consequences of living a life apart from God’s plan, and encouraged them to follow God’s way. Like John, he encouraged people to get right with God.

God called each of the prophets to do diff erent tasks and speak to diff erent audiences: some rebuilt temples, some announced blessing, some performed miracles, some gave counsel and pronounced judgment. Among all these other things, the message of following God’s way stands out clearly. Again and again, God’s prophets pointed out to people the consequences of living a life apart from God.

The books of the prophets are fi lled with warnings about the future ahead if the people continue down the road they are on.

Looking around our world today we can see the unfolding consequences of living life apart from God’s plan. This should be a challenge to us to live lives that show people around us there is another way, a way that loves justice and mercy, a way that is humble.

To find out some of the ways to live a life according to God’s way, open up your Bible and have a look at Micah 6:8, Isaiah 56, Hosea 14 and Luke 3:1-18.