A PROPHET. Deuteronomy 18:18. “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” A man called by God has a desire for God in his heart. He has been raised up by God and set apart for God from the beginning of his ministry. His calling is to deliver God's words to the people and speak all the truth, not just part of it. He is neither self-ordained nor a self-opinionated upstart. There is evidence of divine approval of him. God has placed on him a mark of commitment and conduct that aligns with the word of God.
The Prophet who will come to Israel will come from your midst. He will be a man widely known as one of your brothers and someone who has proven he is truly one of you. He is not of the world. He is trustworthy in his life, with his credibility evident at home, where his true life in Christ is displayed. A genuine servant or prophet is one of the people—not seeking a high position or throne.
The person who speaks for God may come from a high position, but he steps down to where people live. If he is from a lower station, he understands that God’s word is what he shares when he speaks to the people. Meekness is in this man. A leader should have self-control, which is a trait of his. As a reconciler, he comes from God to us with a word from God and a clear explanation of the scriptures from which he delivers his message. As a leader, he speaks truth with grace, seasoned with salt. He speaks with authority because he knows he represents Almighty God. His words are not uncertain; his message is based on, “Thus saith the Lord.” His information is correct because it comes from God’s holy Word. He may speak of things that hurt those who know they are out of the way, and his word is like a two-edged sword that makes it clear he is speaking the truth from his heart.
His words can comfort those seeking consolation. He knows how to speak appropriately because he has personally experienced the contentment that comes from our gracious Father. His prophecies must always be tested to determine if they are from God—whether they are true and the predictions come true. He doesn’t rely on feelings—either his own or others. Instead, they originate from a proven source, not something strange, new, or overly imaginative. What he says is correct, and we must obey it and follow God's message. Judgment will result if or when we ignore what he reveals from the scriptures of truth.