We see all throughout the Bible that there are some, which we call prophets, who rebuke the unbelievers.
It is thought that in the midst of Jeremiah's preaching, obviously, the people did not listen. But the moment that Jeremiah left, they wept over his leaving, after the destruction of Jerusalem. Such is the role of the prophet--that when they are in ministry, they are despised, hated even. It is not until the prophet is gone that (s)he is dearly missed.
We see these kinds of examples all throughout the Bible. From Moses to Isaiah to Hosea to the Apostles, and especially Christ.
The inquiry here, is at what point does the prophet have the right, as being called by God, to rebuke, even sternly, those who are unbelieving of heart?
I will not go into the fact that it happens, as that should be a given that it does indeed happen (look no further than Matthew 23 for one example).
So at what time should the prophet rebuke his hearers? It is a practical question. We also do not need to needle over what exactly it means to be a prophet, but a simple definition is that a prophet is someone who reminds God's people of His promises, both positive and negative. We do not need to say that a prophet tells the future or necessarily does so. Rather, a prophet is often a fiery individual. Jeremiah said,
Jeremiah 20:9
"I say, “I won’t mention him
or speak any longer in his name.”
But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart,
shut up in my bones.
I become tired of holding it in,
and I cannot prevail."
Such is the feeling of the prophet to have a "fire burning in the heart."
Where does this calling come from? And at what point can a prophet rebuke people?
Please show Biblical references if you can.
Thank you.
But it's a good question!
