God’s incomplete story
It must have been tough being one of God’s prophets in ancient Israel. You know that you are commissioned for an incredible work – speaking on behalf of the Creator of the Universe, and delivering His messages to humanity. However, it is not an easy task. Oftentimes, the people don’t want to hear what you have to say. Many don’t want to be called out of their self-focused, sinful lifestyles. Sometimes, the prophet had to deliver a message of punishment for Israel…and who among us likes being the bearer of bad news?
Like many other prophets, Elijah had threats on his life, even coming from the current king and queen. Later on, Isaiah was commissioned by God to tell Israel that national punishment was coming. When he asked God how long he should preach this message, God replied, “until the land is ruined and desolate” (Isaiah 6:11). Not exactly a crowd-pleasing message to share.
But staying silent wasn’t an option, either. Jeremiah was another prophet who foretold the destruction of Judah. Here’s what he had to say about not wanting to preach any more “bad news”:
Jeremiah 20:9
I say, “I won’t mention Him or speak any longer in His name.”
But His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones.
I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
We also have to consider that the prophets didn’t necessarily understand the full implication of God’s message. After all, they were simply the messenger, not the originator. In many instances, they were delivering prophecies for the people of their day, but they also often spoke of a coming Messiah…and God did not give them all the details about the salvation His Messiah would bring. Peter also brings up this point in one of his letters:
1 Peter 1:10-12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when He testified in advance to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you.
The Old Testament prophets did their best to discover God’s plan for the Messiah, but ultimately, they were not given the full picture. Instead, they learned that their messages and efforts were meant to serve others…and not just their own curiosities. Although they did not get the “full story” during their lifetime, God did give them enough information so they could do the work He had for them.
The Apostle John acknowledged being in a similar situation when he wrote his gospel message:
John 20:30-31
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
There were lots of things John could have written about, including many signs that Jesus performed before ascending into heaven. Those would have been really interesting to read about, I’m sure! However, John selected specific stories from Jesus’ life that were all aimed at one purpose, the main thing John (and God) wanted us to know: so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
There is a parallel here between the Old Testament prophets and us modern believers. We don’t have the full story of how and when God will move through history. We don’t get to know the date when Jesus will return. But there is still work to do.
Thankfully, the Old Testament prophets pressed on and did the hard work of delivering God’s message. Many of them are commended in “God’s Hall of Fame” and you can read what God had to say about them in Hebrews 11. We, too, can press on, sharing the message of the gospel to the people around us. God will also commend and reward those who do the work He has for us now.
Keep Pressing,
Ken