May 14

" T ruly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. Now hear this, You heads of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who abhor justice and pervert all equity."

Micah 3:8-9

The ministry of the prophets was always corrective. They were sent by God to call His people back to the path of obedience. While prediction of things to come was included in their messages, this by no means exhausted their content. They were men who spoke for God in days of rebellion. They had, therefore, an authority which no servant of God has today, so far as any civil community is concerned. Israel was a theocracy. God was their acknowledged King. The prophets were His messengers to His own covenant people. The ministers of Christ today are a gift to the church from the ascended Lord (Ephesians 4:7-14). They are given for the perfecting of the saints, not for the regulating of the world. On the other hand, they are called to proclaim fearlessly those principles of righteousness upon which Christ’s kingdom is to be set up, in order that men may see their true condition before God and turn to Him in repentance.

A little while to sow in tears and weakness

The precious seed along the vernal plain,

Till into life the tender blade expanding

Fresh promise gives of summer’s ripening grain.

A little while of patient, earnest labor,

For His dear sake, our best and truest Friend;

A little while to wait for His appearing,

And then the joy that nevermore shall end.

A little while to bear the cross for Jesus

And meet the foes that once He overcame;

To stand unmoved, the sword of truth uplifting,

And through its power to conquer in His name.

—Fanny Crosby