✨ Those Who Walk With Jesus — Part 43 ✨ What is a Prophet of God?
✨ Those Who Walk With Jesus — Part 43 ✨
What is a Prophet of God?
📝 Their Message (Summary)
The ancient pattern is clear: prophets are chosen and called of God directly, never by seniority or vote. Numbers 12:6 declares: “If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.”
Joseph Smith taught that the Melchizedek priesthood brings men to speak with God face to face (TPJS 180). Oliver Cowdery charged the Twelve to never rest until they had received this testimony from heaven — for ordination was not complete until God Himself had laid His hands upon them (DHC 2:195-196).
Prophets in scripture testify of what they have seen and heard. Lehi, Nephi, Isaiah, Ezekiel, John, Joseph — all declared visions openly. By contrast, our modern habit of “too sacred to share” and reliance on succession by seniority leaves us to wrestle with the question: what is a prophet of God?
🔥 My Reflection
Watching a panel of Latter-day Saint women talk about changing the “culture” of the church reminded me of the tension: if the prophet truly sees and speaks with God, then why attempt to enact cultural change from below? If he is only “a man who makes mistakes like the rest of us,” then why sustain him as seer, revelator, and prophet who “will never lead us astray”?
That paradox was on full display when President Nelson called the vaccine a “literal godsend” and an “answer to prayer.” Many who distrusted his words said it was only his opinion, not revelation. But can the mantle be put on and taken off like a jacket? Would a prophet use his public mantle to share casual opinion, or only God’s word?
I wrestle here. If I had millions watching, I would tremble to mix my own voice with His.
🕊️ The Invitation
Scripture shows us the pattern:
Prophets are called by God Himself, not by seniority or vote (Exodus 3; Numbers 12).
Prophets testify of visions and dreams, not just administrative policy (1 Nephi 1; Ezekiel 1; Revelation 1).
Prophets bear fruit because they abide in Christ, the True Vine (John 15:1–8).
Ask yourself: Do I seek salvation through collective membership, or through direct connection with the living God?
The truth remains unchanged: salvation is always individual. Zion will never be built on vague hopes or institutional titles. It is built on covenant keepers who have seen and heard Him for themselves.
🌿 Scriptures to Ponder
Numbers 12:6 — “I will make myself known unto him in a vision.”
John 14:23 — “If a man love me… we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
Helaman 10:7 — Nephi is given sealing power directly from the Lord.
D&C 121:36–37 — priesthood power is inseparably connected with heaven.
🙏 Prayer
Lord, I will not lean on the arm of flesh. Teach me to abide in You, the True Vine. Help me discern between smooth words and Your living word. If it costs me everything, let me not be content with hearsay but press forward until You have laid Your hand upon me.
🔗 Walking with Jesus — A Family’s Story
This is part of a series sharing the six-year testimony of a family walking daily with Jesus.
Previous: Post #42 — The Power of The Cross
Next: Post #44 — (coming soon)
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