Part 2 - Prophet Jesus

Deuteronomy 18:15 (ESV)—15 "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen."

This is not the title I normally use of Jesus. Perhaps I've developed an allergy to the title after hearing many say, "Jesus was a good teacher, a prophet, but not God." I reject that. He is God who became flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14).

Still, he is the greatest prophet who ever walked the earth (Deuteronomy 18:15). He not only spoke the truth like the prophets of old, but He is the truth. He is "the true light, which enlightens everyone" (John 1:9).

Be Biblical

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1–2, ESV)

One might expect a different statement. I mean, if the blessed man doesn't walk in the counsel of the ungodly, hangout in the way of sinners, and sit in the scoffer's seat, wouldn't they then practice the opposite? Shouldn't they walk in the counsel of godly people, spend time with people practicing righteousness, and sit with those who revere God?

Of course, the answer to these questions is "yes," but the psalm addresses something more. It isn't good company that drives out the bad but a delighted relationship with the word of God referred to here as the law of the Lord (2).

You see, it is the Scripture that drives out the "ideas and images" that run rampant in these minds and hearts of ours. The community Christ creates by his blood is meant to come under the authority of his word. As we delight in it, meditating on it daily, we are transformed.

It is the word we need. God's thoughts must become ours.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." (Colossians 3:16)

Consider St. Augustine:

Let my delight in your holy writing be pure. It couldn't have been for nothing that you wanted so many pages of dimly lit, recondite things written: those forests of words have stags native to them, who retire inward and revive themselves, walking around and grazing, reclining and ruminating. Oh, Master, make me whole, and unveil your pages. Your voice there is my delight, your voice is superior to a flood of delights. Give me what I'm in love with; I do love it, and you gave me my love for it. -- The Confessions of Augustine

Be a man of the Word. Men of the Word more easily process the calamity of our time. Men of the Word are protected from error. Men of the word are spiritually strong because they've been nourished by the meat of Scripture. Men of the Word can endure this life.

Men who regularly read Genesis understand how God made them and the ruinous impact of sin. Men who regularly read Exodus understand how God aims to rescue us from slavery and redeem us for himself. Men who regularly read Leviticus know the cost of Christ's blood and the value of holiness. Men who regularly read Numbers understand the tragic nature of fear and the importance of moving forward with faith in God. Men who regularly read Deuteronomy understand the importance of repetition in the word and the need to pass it on to the next generations.

Men who read Joshua know the battle for sanctification isn't easy. Men who read Judges know theological compromise kills from within. Men who read Ruth know God is working even in the darkest of times. Men who read Samuel know the importance of having God on the throne. Men who read Kings know the devastating effect of compromise. Men who read Chronicles are better prepared to be godly when others aren't.

Men who read Ezra know how to prioritize their spiritual life even when it's hard to do so. Men who read Nehemiah know how to take responsibility and steadfastly build in God's kingdom. Men who read Esther know God protects his people even in the darkest political moments.

Men who read Job see every trial as an opportunity to glorify God. Men who read the Psalms know how to pray and praise God. Men who read Proverbs know how to wisely navigate life. Men who read Ecclesiastes know life must be reengineered from eternity's vantage point. Men who read Song of Solomon know the sacredness of sex and marriage.

Men who read Isaiah know of God's long-range plan for salvation. Men who read Jeremiah know how to submit to God's discipline. Men who read Lamentations know how to lament and confess before God. Men who read Ezekiel know God's glory is worth defending. Men who read Daniel know God is in control of the history of the nations.

Men who read Hosea know not to betray God's covenantal love. Men who read Joel know God will settle every score. Men who read Amos know God's children are called to a higher standard. Men who read Obadiah know to trust God with the evil in society. Men who read Jonah know a lack of evangelistic love can kill them from within. Men who read Micah know the Spirit can help them become faithful to God. Men who read Nahum know that God's longsuffering will not last forever. Men who read Habakkuk know they must walk by faith, and look inward when it seems like no one loves the law of God. Men who read Zephaniah know God will restore everything. Men who read Haggai know to prioritize God's kingdom. Men who read Zechariah know God works even when they cannot see how. And men who read Malachi know backsliding is a dangerous game.

Be Vocal

The thing about Jesus is that he used His words. He taught. And he taught and taught and taught. He just kept teaching. In every moment, he would open his mouth to instruct.

He taught about the blessed life (Matthew 5:3-12). He taught about future judgment (Matthew 13:36-43). He taught about marriage (Matthew 19:1-10). He taught about sin (Matthew 5:21-48). He taught about heart defilement (Mark 7:14-23). He gave warnings about hypocrisy (Luke 12:1). He explained the forgiveness of sin (Matthew 26:28).

Jesus was creative in his teaching. Parables for the masses, illustrations for the slow to hear. Private explanations for His disciples. Constantly, he taught. Words dripped out of his mouth. Proverbs. Wisdom. Grace. Love. Conviction. He did it all with his words.

Men of God will speak the truth. We will teach. We've all met the guy who pours forth his own opinions, his own thoughts and philosophies. Nary a word of God is present. We want something different. We want the word of Christ to pour from our lips.

We are called to teach the people in our care. We might not be teachers in the classic sense, but we are to communicate. Our children need to hear our words. Our friends need to hear our encouragements. Our wives need to receive our praise. Our church needs to hear our exhortations. We must use our Bible-saturated and influenced words for his glory and kingdom. Speak.

As a prophet, Jesus also spoke into the lives of the men he cared for. He served them by speaking into their lives. Again, Peter comes to mind. "'You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas' (which means Peter [or rock])" (John 1:42). He looked straight into Peter's heart and told him, "There's more for you." You are called. God has a plan for your life.

Like Prophet Jesus, we must identify the will and work of God in the lives of the people we love and care for. They are searching. They are insecure. They are in need of wisdom.

Speak into their lives. Exhort them. Encourage them. Raise them up. Tell them there's more to them, something deeper. Help identify it for them. Be instrumental in leading them to the greener pastures Christ has for them. Identify.

Will we draw things out of the people in our lives? We aren't their king, but if we are in a leadership role in their lives, we have an opportunity. We can suppress and discourage. We can put off the "you'll never amount to anything" vibe, or we can encourage them into maturity. We can build them up like Prophet Jesus built up his men.