What makes a prophet? If you would have asked me that any other day, I would have included “signs and wonders” on the list of requirements. I would have also included John the Baptist as a prophet. But did you know that John never performed a sign?
“And many people came to him. They said, ‘Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.’”
John 10:41 (NIV)
Perhaps I thought prophets had to perform signs because most of the prophets we talk about in the Old Testament performed amazing, miraculous signs. But not all of them did. After further reflection, I realized that a prophet is someone who speaks a message from God to the people around them. Prophets are witnesses for God to His people.
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.”
John 1:6-8 (ESV)
In a sense, all believers are called to be prophets. Even if we don’t feel we have a divine message to share with the world, we are all called to spread the Gospel to those around us. We are called to make disciples of all people and nations. Does that make us prophets? Probably not.
But knowing that John the Baptist was one of the most amazing prophets of all times and that he never performed a sign somehow gives me hope. Not that I’ll be a prophet, but hope that sharing the God’s message matters even if no miracle is attached to it.
It inspires me to step out of my comfort zone and walk in greater obedience. I don’t have to be some incredible person who performs miraculous signs in order to be someone who speaks out on behalf of God. I can do that today; we can all do that regularly.
Not that God needs us to speak on His behalf, He doesn’t need a defender but He seeks partners. People who are willing to be ambassadors for Him. And people need to hear more of God’s Word spoken to them. God’s Word. Not our words. We use our words to convey God’s message to others using our individual voices, but it is God’s Word that is the foundation and framework of our message.
I’m learning, I am so new to this form of sharing and feel unqualified and outclassed by all the wonderful, proven authors, speakers, bloggers, and podcast hosts. But I feel compelled to keep sharing through writing and to continue trying to reach even just one person. I don’t have to be amazing. I don’t have to work miracles. I just have to be obedient and willing.
Perhaps some of you need to hear this message too. It’s ok if you are ordinary. It’s ok if you’re weird. It’s ok if you are introverted. It’s ok if you’re unsure. If you are willing to be a witness about the light that dwells within you, then you can make an impact on those around you.
May the Spirit’s spark lead you to be a witness who points others to the Light.
Want to receive an email when a new post is created? Sign up for notifications here.
I want to follow Jesus! How do I get started?
“This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.
1 John 4:13-15
If you are ready to join the family of God, simply believe and ask. You can choose your own words or pray the prayer below. God hears your heart, simply confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and let the Spirit lead you.
“Father, I want to be yours. Forgive me of my sins. I believe that you sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and thank you for the gift of salvation through Him. I invite the Holy Spirit into my heart and surrender my life to You. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Feel free to spend time just talking to God and sharing your heart with Him. Let Him speak to you and listen as He leads you forward into new life. Welcome to the family.
Need to talk or have questions? Feel free to reach out and contact me.