CHARACTERISTICS OF A PROPHETS CALL

Mulhall, M. (1992). Finding Strength in Biblical Traditions Part 1. Ottawa, ON: CCCB Publications.CHARACTERISTICS OF A PROPHETS CALLPROPHETS CALLAre people who speak on Gods behalfHave an experience of God hear Gods word, receive Gods plan, speak Gods wordAre lead by the SpiritAre critics who see injustice and suffering in the world and cry out against themSpeaking of changed attitudes and behaviours for people to assumeChallenge that can fix in power to make better choices that can fix the wrongs done towards the poor

PROPHETS CALL CONTINUED

Always defend the poor and voiceless persons in societyBecome the voice of the voicelessAre on the side of the poor where God isObey only GodNot influenced by power, personal glory, possessionsCan confront kings, priests and the entire peoplePROPHETS CALL CONTINUEDHave enormous courage and conviction in speaking out against oppressive situationsHave vision and are the conscience of the communityTraditionally were sent to the Kings so that the King could lead the people towards Gods wayAre always persecuted and mocked as being out of touch with realitySuffer the same fate as the people they defendProphets success always comes after deathWin spiritual victory because of their commitment to God and the poor

WHO IS A PROPHET ANYWAY?TRUE PROPHETSFALSE PROPHETS Do not attempt to call attention to their own person as much as their message Often seek personal glory and praise, and perhaps material reward Often do not see themselves as worthy or capable of the mission God has give them to do, and often ask not to be chosen Often create dissension for its own sake or to serve the goals of the very small, vested-interest group Although they may themselves be the center of controversy, they promote unity, peace and justice Seldom go the extra mile if confronted by the threat of harm to their person Willing to sacrifice their lives if necessary in order to be true to the message they proclaim Despite their faade, will eventually come across as selfish or in serious error about the true nature of the human person Are always concerned about the welfare of others