Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“It was revealed to [the prophets] that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, July 13, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Being a prophet is not a self-serving task. Even when the prophets proclaimed words of hope to the people, words of reconciliation and wholeness, they themselves often would not live to be the recipients of such hope. Here the writer of 1 Peter talks of all the prophets, long dead, whose words presaged the total transformation of humanity’s relationship with God and ultimate salvation through Jesus.
So, whether bringing good news or haranguing the people to change their ways, a prophet did not benefit from their vocation. And the same is true today. We are, all of us, called to be prophets—to speak God’s words of justice and wholeness into a deeply troubled reality.
Actually this makes me think of my dad. For decades he taught political science and Peace and Justice Studies at Fordham University. He has been active in Bread for the World, among other causes, for as long as I can remember. He has worked for economic justice for those in poverty his whole life. As he approaches 80, I sometimes wonder if he’s disappointed that things haven’t changed for the better on a large scale despite all his work. But I guess he is a prophet. He speaks God’s words of justice and wholeness into the world, regardless of whether the people receive them. He isn’t doing it for his benefit, but that maybe at some point, his words will be borne out in reality for future generations. That’s kind of cool.
When have I felt called to act as a prophet? What was my motivation for speaking out?