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CHARACTERISTICS OF A PROPHET’S CALL. Would you be able to identify a prophet?. A Prophet Speaks for God. Experience with God, Hearing God’s word Receiving God’s plan Led by the Spirit. Prophets: Critics of Injustice. They see injustice/suffering, cry out
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CHARACTERISTICS OF A PROPHET’S CALL Would you be able to identify a prophet?
A Prophet Speaks for God • Experience with God, • Hearing God’s word • Receiving God’s plan • Led by the Spirit
Prophets: Critics of Injustice • They see injustice/suffering, cry out • Speak of changed attitudes & behaviours • Challenge the powerful to make better choices to fix the wrongs done towards the poor
Defenders of Poor & Voiceless • Prophets are voices for the voiceless • Are on the side of the poor, where God is • “Preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.”
Obey only God • Prophets not interested in power, glory & possessions • Confront: Kings, priests, entire peoples
Have Conviction & Courage • Not easy speaking out against the culture, leadership, King
Have vision / the Conscience of the Community • Traditionally sent to the Kings
Persecuted & mocked • Suffer similar fate of those they are trying to defend • A prophet’s success always comes after their death • Win a spiritual victory because of their commitment to God & the poor
True vs. False Prophets • Do not draw attention to themselves (Message is most N.B.) • Don’t see themselves as worthy • Promote unity, justice & Peace • Willing to sacrifice themselves • Focus: welfare of others • Seek personal glory, material rewards • Create dissension, serve a small vested-interest group • Give up when threatened • Eventually seen as selfish / in error