Well, the short answer to this question is that prophets are people who have the spirit of prophecy, and therefore can speak authoritatively for the Lord. The spirit of prophecy is the spirit of truth because it comes from God. When prophets speak by this spirit, the things they speak are true. And what is the spirit of prophecy? John teaches in the book of Revelations that the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelations 19:10).
Therefore, when a prophet speaks, whether of things past, present or future, we can believe what they tell us. When they speak of past or present events, they can add perspective and reveal truths about those events not previously known. They add the Lord's perspective to those events and give them a spiritual dimension which can give us knowledge about the Lord and His plan. When we listen to and understand the words of the prophets, we are taught principles and are given insight into things which will protect us from the dangers and follies of this life and we are taught how to build a life which will bring us happiness and joy.
When a prophet speaks of future events, those thing really will happen. It was through the spirit of prophecy that the prophets foretold the coming of Christ and predicted many of the circumstances of his birth, ministry and death (Isaiah 53:1-12). Christ prophesied of His return and of the events which would occur in the world just prior to that time (Matthew 24:2-51). The things prophesied by the Lord and His other prophets that haven't yet happened really will come to pass.
Sometimes a prophecy about a future event allows us to prepare ourselves and our families for that time. Sometimes these prophecies are meant to comfort us and confirm our faith in God allowing us to rely more completely on Him and His promises knowing that He knows all things past, present and future and has made ample provision for all His children in all times. Sometimes these prophecies serve as warnings and are given out of God's love and concern for us, allowing us to make corrections to our lives and prepare for events of which we would not otherwise have had any knowledge.
Prophets are a manifestation of God's love for His children and are sent to enrich their lives with the knowledge they need to be happy and successful...knowledge which will ultimately lead them to Him and allow Him to bless their lives more fully. Those who follow the words of the prophets, Christ being chief among them, are taught to love and bless those around them, and therefore, prophets are a blessing to the whole earth.
When a prophet speaks, he speaks for the Lord, and the message he delivers is the message God would deliver if He stood before us. Prophets serve the Lord by speaking the words He gives them through His spirit. When a prophet speaks, it is the word of God.
I love the prophets and their words. I try to read and study their words daily by reading the scriptures. Because the scriptures are the word of God delivered through His servants, the prophets, they bless my life by adding a spiritual dimension which brings me knowledge and happiness I can't find in any other way. Won't you join me in making the scriptures a part of your daily life? They really can change your life in ways which will bring you greater happiness, greater peace and more meaning and purpose.
May the Lord bless you and keep you in His constant warchful care.
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