I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:12). In the Old Covenant system the prophets were the only individuals who interacted directly with God. They were uniquely different from the priests. The priests were of the tribe of Levi. They were in their position because of their ancestry. Their role was the same as their father’s role before them. They performed the routine duties of the temple regarding all the daily requirements. They maintained the Jewish system established by God from the beginning days of their nation. While this was important it was neither distinct nor unique.
The prophet was a CHOSEN individual. His father was not a prophet; he was not a product of a school or special training. He did not seem to have any qualities or talents qualifying him to be a prophet. He did not submit a resume or request the position. Much of the time these individuals were stunned at their selection; many times they attempted to be excused from their role. It was never their choice. Some were from the north; some were from the south. Many were educated but many were not. Wealth did not seem to be a factor; poverty did not qualify them. They were simply chosen by God. From the start, they had direct contact with God. It was the nature of their calling. God came to them! They did not study or produce a message. They were told the message and simply repeated it to the people. “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad” is based on being in this category. We may not be prophets but we are chosen! We belong to Jesus! I am a Jesus pusher!!!