And when this cometh to pass (lo, it will come), then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them. Ezekiel 33:33
Remember Harold Camping and his rapture prophecy? Defying scripture to set a date for the return of the Lord Jesus for His own, Camping was proved to be a false messenger. Other date setters have had to withdraw in shame as their predictions as to the time of the rapture have proven false. These foolish people have proved two things: that the Word of God is true when it declares that we cannot know, and that their own foolishness has proved themselves to be false prophets. A true prophet is one whose words come to pass, as our text reminds us. Our duty today is not to prophesy but to declare the truth that has already been revealed. The time will come when the One Who revealed the truth will be proven perfectly accurate.
Those of us who have believed the words of the Lord Jesus are saved, and can agree today with our text. We know, by the forgiveness of sins and the witness of the Holy Spirit, that He is true. And it is precious to us that He came to us. We rejoice that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. We are thankful today for His life and ministry, His sacrificial death on our account, and His glorious resurrection. A Prophet, yea, more than a prophet, hath been among us, and we are glad. This gives us purpose in life and hope in eternal life. As believers, the reality that a Prophet has been among us is the greatest truth we know.
But what about unbelievers? What about those who deny the existence of God, who reject the teaching of Scripture, who scoff at the truth that they are sinners before a holy God and that the wages of sin is death? What about those who simply don’t care, whose apathy is so apparent all around us despite the warnings of the Gospel? And what about those who are trusting in their religion or other affiliations to preserve their souls? It is true that there is no confession from them about the Lord Jesus and His truth. But such a confession will come. There will be a day when every one of them will stand before Him and confess that a Prophet hath been among us. Being without excuse and covered in their shame, they will have to admit that He is right and they were wrong. Thank God we will not have to stand there on that day!
To know Who holds the future is a great comfort to the child of God today. What He has declared will surely come to pass. And for us who are saved, it means His presence forever. -Jim MacIntosh