PROPHETS in Our HOMES

There was a time in my life when hearing a word from God through a prophet was super important to me. Back then, I didn't think I was worthy enough for God to talk to me directly. I thought prophets were on another level of righteousness. Since I wasn't on that same level of holiness, why would God speak to me? Let alone reveal plans about the future to someone like me. Thank God those days are behind me now. Don’t get me wrong—it’s okay to appreciate other people’s spiritual gifts, but when we prioritize that over God, who gave the gift, then it becomes a problem.

The Bible first mentions a prophet in Genesis 20:7, when God calls Abraham a prophet. This is interesting because Abraham didn't make future predictions in that verse, so why call him a prophet? It gets even more confusing, especially because God called him a prophet right after he lied to Abimelech about his wife being his sister. Hello, God! I think you are making a mistake here! I encourage you to read the whole story in Genesis 20.

"Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.” (Gen 20:7, NKJV)

The Hebrew word for prophet here is "nabi," which means speaker or spokesman. In a biblical sense, a prophet is someone who speaks for God. They’re chosen to be His mouthpiece, delivering His messages to people. In the passage above, God told Abimelech that Abraham was His spokesman, so the only way Abimelech could release himself from God’s judgment was to let Abraham pray for him.

Reflecting on this story opened my eyes to something else. God saw Abraham as His prophet (spokesman) long before the incident at Abimelech’s house. He already trusted Abraham to be His mouthpiece. In Genesis 18:19, God said this about Abraham, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."

God trusted that Abraham would speak about Him to his children and household. Like Abraham, God calls parents to be prophets (speakers) for Him to our family. We are to command and guide our children and the people who are entrusted to us in the right direction, teaching them the ways of the Lord. In doing so, we provide them with the knowledge and strength rooted in God for a bright future.

1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV) reminds us that “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” As prophets in our homes, parents can intentionally bless their kids and speak God’s promises over them as well as correct them and rebuke curses when they make wrong choices.

While the traditional image of a prophet might be someone who foretells the future, the essence of prophecy lies in being a spokesperson for God. Parents hold this sacred role within their families by being God’s mouthpiece.