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Christ - Our Everlasting Prophet |
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George Fox, as well as other 17th century Friends proclaimed that Christ Jesus is our everlasting prophet who not only elucidates God's commands to be understood, but urges us to do what our heavenly Father requires of His people. Jesus is our ruler and teacher. We, in turn are His people. Early in old testament history, God informed Moses that "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him." God, of course, was speaking of His only begotten Son whom we are required to hear and obey. Yes, Christ is our heavenly teacher who shows us the essence of God's Truth. The Hebrew people understood that this particular prophet, our Lord and Savior, was not limited to forecasting future events in God's kingdom, but like Moses, promulgates the need and benefits for God's people to obey our Creator. The Hebrew people, as a result, were anxiously waiting for his presence - and He did come as the servant of God. As the servant of God, he declared that the true followers of the Lord are required to be peacemakers in God's mercy while loving each other in the same way the Lord loves us. Jesus ordered his followers to not only recognize the truthfulness of his mission but to promulgate His commands wherever He sent them. This is the power of God which the apostle Paul recognized - and Jesus indeed is the source of this everlasting power. Small wonder that George Fox and other early Quakers recognized that indeed Jesus is our everlasting prophet who continues to teach us - that is, if we are faithful. This prophet requires us to be obedient now as He elucidates His loving presence in us as well as among us. We need to hear His teaching as individuals as well as His church. Jesus opens our hearts to witness to the benefits of His kingdom. Yet we must not limit ourselves to just hearing our master but the Lord requires us to do the work He requires. In other words, as Friends we are called upon to follow the Master's instructions whenever and wherever we hear Him. . . Our prophet certainly speaks to us in God's goodness. In this goodness, our prophet may require a meeting's elders to speak Truth to a particular family - and we may reluctant to do so. But when we acknowledge the prophetic powers of our Lord the elders in obedience, are commanded to witness to the family - in gospel love. As a result the meeting and the family will be enriched in the Lord's love. Adhering to the commands to do what the Lord requires is challenging but we must acknowledge that our everlasting prophet is more knowledgeable and compassionate than we humans can be. And, therefore, when we are prepared to witness in Jesus' name we will feel His presence among us. We are children of the Lord who abide in His love. Let us pray that He continues to teach us. Yes He is our heavenly prophet.
Arthur Berk |