Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #4 — An Unpopular Message

Picture: Counsel #4 — An Unpopular Message CCW 167.1

One indicator of a true prophet is an unpopular message. In fact, Jesus said it is a bad thing “when everyone speaks well of you” because that’s how false prophets were treated.^[247] True prophets were often poorly received in their day. No one listened to Noah other than his own family. Few listened to Elijah or Isaiah. And prophets like Jeremiah were imprisoned and tortured. Even John the Baptist—who spoke to large crowds—was rejected by the spiritual leaders of his day and ultimately murdered. True prophets often have things to say that are difficult to hear.^[248] CCW 167.2

“They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.” Jeremiah 1:19 NKJV CCW 167.3

“Indignation often kindles in the heart of the sinner against the agent whom God chooses to deliver His reproofs. It has ever been thus, and the same spirit exists today that persecuted and imprisoned Jeremiah for obeying the word of the Lord.” Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 180.1 CCW 167.4

Reflect: Why do people often react negatively to divine reproofs? CCW 167.5