Reading the Prophets in the Old Testament typically conjure up images of "fire breathing preachers," those men that God used to correct his people. Mostly the people did not listen to the prophets. I am humbled when I read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah attempting assemble the wayward flock and warn the erring shepherds (leaders). Most prophets suffered for their calling.
When interviewing with churches for the position of Pastor, I have been asked to give some thought to the task of the pastor. And I reply that there are the tasks of prophet and priest. Most congregations love to hear about the priestly tasks (visiting the sick, marrying and burying, giving blessings, etc.) while the role of prophet is viewed as something that is less desirable. I have been asked to clarify what the task of the prophet might be, and I would give them a suggestion such as giving a word from the Lord ("thus saith the Lord"). Perhaps they were thinking I was going to prophesy. Yet even with the clarification, there was some skepticism as to the need for the task of the prophet. Upon reflecting upon these readings, I believe that these are two sides of the same coin: a shepherd.
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