They may listen, or they may not, . . . But they will know that a prophet has been among them. (Ezekiel 2:5)In this passage outlining Ezekiel’s call to prophetic ministry, God teaches the prophet-to-be that he is not accountable for the people’s response, but he is accountable for the message delivered.
Likewise, the farmer spreads the seed on all kinds of soil, even though most of it will never reach maturity (Luke 8:5-15).
This is not to say that the prophet cannot increase the reception factor, or the farmer the richness of the soil. Two of the biggest factors in how the word is received are prayer and relationship. If the seed (the word) is planted with prayer, and the soil (the heart) is cultivated with relationship, there is a much greater chance of the message accomplishing that for which it is designed – changed lives.
Beside all that, we often forget the work of the Holy Spirit. We may apply the word to needy hearts, but the Holy Spirit has already been there, preparing the way. The Holy Spirit continues applying that word for hours and days after we’ve put our notes aside and gone on to something else.
It is my calling to speak prophetically. It is also my duty and privilege to cover the seed with prayer and cultivate the soil with relationship. The Holy Spirit is responsible for the changed lives. One day the proof will be in the harvest.
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