Insight for Leaders

Literature Ministries International ^ | May 13 | A.W. Tozer

[Sopater]

Preaching: Prophet, Not Orator

And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, that I may plant the heavens, lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, "You are My people." --Isaiah 51:16

The Christian minister, as someone has pointed out, is a descendant not of the Greek orator but of the Hebrew prophet.

The differences between the orator and the prophet are many and radical, the chief being that the orator speaks for himself while the prophet speaks for God. The orator originates his message and is responsible to himself for its content. The prophet originates nothing but delivers the message he has received from God who alone is responsible for it, the prophet being responsible to God for its delivery only. The prophet must hear the message clearly and deliver it faithfully, and that is indeed a grave responsibility; but it is to God alone, not to men. God Tells the Man Who Cares, 85.

"Lord, I'm reminded this morning of the thought from the late seminary chaplain Richard Seume: 'When your people sit in front of you on Sunday morning, they're not interested in hearing another man tell them how to live their lives; they've come to hear a word from God.' May that be my prophetic perspective this week. Amen."

---

Today's "Insight for Leaders" is taken by permission from the book, Tozer on Christian Leadership, published by WingSpread Publishers

---

This Insight for Leaders devotional is also available in a print-friendly format here on the LMI web site.

[Sopater]

Then Amos replied to Amaziah, "I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs." - Amos 7:14

Amos did not hold the office of a prophet, but was called to prophesy. When called to prophesy in the name of God, the true prophet cannot resist.

But if I say, "I will not remember Him
Or speak anymore in His name,"
Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire
Shut up in my bones;
And I am weary of holding it in,
And I cannot endure it. - Jeremiah 20:9

Indeed, we need prophets.

[Sopater]

TOZER PING

"Insight for Leaders"
From the writings of A. W. Tozer

To be added to the "Tozer Ping List", just freepmail Sopater...

God bless you.