“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah, son of Amittai.” – Jonah 1:1

Scripture Reading: Jonah 1:1-3

God’s word – His command, His will – came to Jonah. This underscores the incredible privileges that Jonah had. He was “the mouthpiece of God” (see Amos 3:7) and therefore was privileged beyond ordinary believers. Prophets had a nearness to God’s will and a special relationship with the Lord as they were the Lord’s instruments to make His will known to the people.

With these privileges came enormous responsibility. The prophet had to get it right. He had to speak it just as God spoke it – whether he liked what God had to say or not, whether the recipients would like it or not.

In the Old Testament, the revelation of God was reserved just for prophets. But because of the coming of Christ, we have the Holy Spirit who reveals God’s word to us. We all have access to God’s will equally. We have the entire Bible. What the Old Testament saints saw in types and shadows, we see in full reality and light!

Our privileges, likewise, come with great responsibility. Lord’s Day 12 of the Heidelberg Catechism states that we, as Christians, are called to confess Christ’s name.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that the Lord would give you the opportunity to reveal God’s word to someone today and that you would have courage and love as you seek to fulfill the prophetic role the Lord gives to you.

Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.