The call to prophetic mission is a significant theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's sovereign choice and empowerment of individuals to serve as His messengers. Prophets in the biblical narrative are divinely appointed to convey God's will, warnings, and promises to His people. This calling is characterized by a profound encounter with God, a clear commission, and often, a transformative personal experience.

Old Testament Prophets

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals called to prophetic missions. One of the earliest instances is Moses, who encounters God in the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-10). God commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, saying, "I will send you to Pharaoh to bring My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:10). Moses' call is marked by divine revelation and the assurance of God's presence.

Isaiah's call is another pivotal moment, occurring in a vision where he sees the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1-8). In this vision, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?" to which Isaiah responds, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). This encounter underscores the prophet's willingness and the divine initiative in the prophetic mission.

Jeremiah's call highlights the personal and often challenging nature of the prophetic mission. God tells Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). Despite Jeremiah's initial reluctance, God reassures him of His presence and protection, emphasizing the divine authority behind the prophetic message.

New Testament Prophets

In the New Testament, the prophetic mission continues with John the Baptist, who is called to prepare the way for the Lord. His mission is foretold in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New, as he preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:2-4). John's role as a prophet is affirmed by Jesus, who declares, "Among those born of women there is no one greater than John" (Luke 7:28).

The apostle Paul also experiences a dramatic call to a prophetic mission. On the road to Damascus, Paul encounters the risen Christ, who commissions him to be a "chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" (Acts 9:15). This encounter transforms Paul from a persecutor of Christians to a fervent apostle and prophet to the Gentiles.

Characteristics of the Prophetic Call

The call to prophetic mission is often accompanied by several key characteristics:

1. Divine Encounter: Prophets typically experience a direct encounter with God, which serves as the foundation for their mission. This encounter can be through visions, dreams, or audible communication.

2. Commissioning: The prophetic call includes a specific commission or task that the prophet is to undertake. This task often involves delivering messages of warning, judgment, or hope to God's people.

3. Empowerment: Prophets are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their mission. This empowerment enables them to speak with authority and perform signs that validate their message.

4. Resistance and Perseverance: Prophets often face resistance and persecution due to the challenging nature of their messages. Despite this, they are called to persevere, trusting in God's protection and faithfulness.

5. Moral and Spiritual Integrity: Prophets are expected to live lives of moral and spiritual integrity, serving as examples to the people they are called to lead.

The call to prophetic mission is a profound and transformative experience, reflecting God's ongoing desire to communicate with His people and guide them according to His divine purposes.