A Prophet is not a fortune teller or clairvoyant. A lady dear to my heart said of a prophet, “1 perceive that this is a holy man of God” (II Kgs. 4:9).
We need prophets like those in II Chronicles in our brotherhood today, holy men and women of God who will encourage His people in these critical times. See how powerfully and effectively Jahaziel did just that when times were critical long ago. Just consider his exhortations (II Chron. 20:14-17). We desperately need exhortations like his now, practical exhortations, that speak to the deep needs of ordinary saints, helping them through the hard times, sharing their hardships, and thrilling to their joys, too.
Jahaziel’s exhortations
- Stand firm, and then see the deliverance that the LORD will give you.
Typically, God does not deliver the chicken-hearted. In our present distress in the Caribbean, the need to stand firm is absolutely paramount. I was so encouraged when I reached the Kingston meeting hall to be greeted with a wonderful smile by faithful Daisy Allen, a sister far older and feebler than myself, not long out of hospital after major surgery, whose regular presence at the Lord’s table says without words, Stand firm, my sister, stand firm, my brother, stand firm.
- Do not be afraid.
Who would not be afraid when terrorism is all around? All around me here people are jumpy and nervous, wondering why the dogs are so noisy, and what the latest gunfire is all about. You really do have to say to yourself, Listen, heart, do not be afraid.
- Do not be discouraged.
The brotherhood is experiencing worldwide growth And also, in some places, significant revival. But remember, there are many ecclesias that once were true lighthouses, vibrant and glowing with zeal. But often through circumstances beyond their control, faithful ones now sleep, others have migrated, and some tragically are estranged by inter-ecclesial strife. The few that are left are easy targets of Satan’s shafts of discouragement. Port Antonio (see News and Notices section) was once my favorite ecclesia. In 1979, they had 25 baptisms in one year. Every visitor came under the spell of their zeal. They were renowned for their valiant witness. Tourists sent picture postcards all over the world showing the Bible message on their meeting hall. That hall often held 200, and resounded to joyful praises written and composed by the members themselves. Now they have four “movable” members. It seems that all they have until the Lord’s coming are memories. Brothers and sisters, pray for the many ecclesias that have no exciting ecclesial news to send to our magazines. Remember Jahaziel’s exhortation.
It is possible that Jahaziel had a special interest in music. Certainly he encouraged Jehoshaphat to fill the temple of the LORD with song, praising God “with very loud voice,” and with “harps and lutes and trumpets.” The brotherhood is very blessed in having two brand new Christadelphian song books, an enlarged Praise the Lord, and the expanded Christadelphian Hymn Book 2001, replacing our worn out “black hymn book” as we know it here. Let us use them as Jehoshaphat did, as he responded to Jahaziel’s prophetic encouragement.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One