A Prophet Like Me
Deuteronomy 18:15-19:3
Synopsis Deuteronomy 18:15-19:4 2/28/2018
Moses described to the Israelites how God would raise up additional prophets as the community required them. He gave them a process by which they could discern whether a person was actually a prophet of God.
A Prophet Like Me
On the one hand, Moses anticipated that God would raise up prophets to inform the community. He told the people how they would be able to recognize an authentic prophet from a false prophet. There is the sense that this would be an ongoing process from generation to generation.
On the other hand, it seems like Moses was anticipating a particular kind of prophet – someone who was like him. This person would be a mighty worker of miracles and someone who had direct experience with God.
Moses understood the need for such prophets was the awesomeness of experiencing God directly. God was so awesome that none of the Israelites could imagine being in His presence and surviving. The raw glory of God is this overwhelming – that powerful.
Jesus Like Me
Jesus is God incarnate.Fully human. Fully flesh and blood. Fully Divine. Fully God. His claim is outlandish. He promised that if you love Him and keep His word, then the Father will love you, and they will both come to you and make their dwelling with you. (John 14:23 para) The terrible, awesome fear that the ancient Israelites felt has been overcome by love.
Because:
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.” 1John 4:18
