Art Katz: The Prophet Must Have a Strong Stomach

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Art Katz: The Prophet Must Have a Strong Stomach

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The Prophet Must Have A Strong Stomach
by Art Katz

"The first expression of the prophetic calling is judgment. Unless we have a stomach for that, we will not be allowed the privilege of the word that builds and plants. Note the order of the words: the hardest thing first. Everything that is painful to the flesh and that will earn for us the displeasure of men must first be addressed. The prophet is called to pluck up and break down the things that are dear to men, namely, their religious tradition, the false things that they have celebrated for generations, the things that they want to cling on to because it has to do with their identity and their dignity and the way in which they even see themselves. Men will kill for this and yet the prophet has got to tear down and destroy. The things that are false will be contended (aangevoerd) for fiercely (fel)! He has got therefore to be painful and a destroyer. His word then is destructive before it is benevolent (welwillend). Unless we are willing to speak the destructive word, we will never be used for benevolence. Only the prophets who were faithful to speak the word of exile and judgment were also the prophets who spoke the word of restoration and return. They were given the privilege of speaking the creative word of restoration. It would be a much simpler task if we just had to establish fresh principles where it falls on virginal consciousness. When you first have to deal with and penetrate a whole existent medley of opinions and traditions that have become dear (if not sacrosanc)(heilig), you will ironically be accused of being opposed to God!"

End of Quote

You know we see this everyday. We feel that anger/helpless emotion rage through our hearts at the stubborness of those we love so much as they underestimate the importance of making Jesus the LORD of their lives. We cringe when we see pride prance through issues of importance while totally ignoring that our Heavenly Father would love to give wisdom and insight and bring prosperity. We also come to the place where we would rather not say anything out loud about it anymore. We can just pray... or can we? Can we discern in our own lives when we are 'hiding and refusing to speak' vs using the 'Wisdom the Lord gives us by telling us to stay quiet and chose our battles wisely?' We must measure our decisions with honesty and do what is right. If we are being wise, then be wise, but if we are running.. it is time to turn around.

If you need support in getting back up on your horse, or climbing back into the saddle, or getting back up and shaking off the dust... leave a comment or message me.

stace🦋
stace.ihs@gmail.com
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