Called to Speak: The Power of Prophetic Voices in Our Time
Jerry Adesewo
Throughout history, prophetic voices have been instruments of transformation, calling people to repentance, justice, and righteousness. In the Bible, figures like Jesus Christ, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist embodied this calling, shaking the foundations of their societies with divine truth. Today’s Christian leaders—pastors, evangelists, and reformers—must recognize that they are part of this lineage, called to speak with conviction and act with courage in a world longing for spiritual renewal.
Read Also: Self-Appointed Leaders: Title Seekers and Title Sellers
Jeremiah: A Voice Against National Decline
Jeremiah’s ministry was marked by suffering and rejection, yet he remained steadfast in delivering God’s truth. He warned Judah of impending destruction due to their rebellion, idolatry, and social injustice. His message was unpopular, but it was necessary.
Jeremiah 1:17 says of his calling “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.” And despite being imprisoned, beaten, and thrown into a cistern (Jeremiah 38:6), he never abandoned his prophetic mission.
Like Jeremiah, today’s Christian leaders must resist the temptation to preach what is comfortable, as we currently do – PROSPERITY! The church must speak against corruption, moral decay, and societal injustices, even if it means facing opposition.
John the Baptist: Preparing the Way
John the Baptist was a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:3). He called for repentance, baptized many, and fearlessly confronted sin—even in high places.
His message rang out very loud: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!” (Matthew 3:2)
His boldness is such that he rebuked King Herod for his sinful lifestyle (Mark 6:17-18), which ultimately led to his execution.
John’s example challenges today’s leaders to prioritise truth over popularity. The gospel is not a tool for personal gain; it is a call to holiness and transformation.
Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Prophetic Voice
Jesus Christ embodied the greatest prophetic mission: to reveal God’s kingdom and offer salvation. Unlike any other prophet, He was God in human flesh, the fulfillment of divine promises.
Luke 4:18 speaks of Jesus’s authority: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor,” and His mission included healing the sick, raising the dead, forgiving sins, and challenging religious hypocrisy.
Jesus redefined leadership—not as a pursuit of power, but as sacrificial service. Christian leaders today must model this humility, prioritizing the spiritual and physical needs of those they serve.
Today’s Crusaders: A Call to Prophetic Ministry
In every generation, God raises men and women who challenge oppression and point people back to righteousness. From Martin Luther King Jr., who championed justice through faith, to contemporary preachers standing against moral decay, the prophetic calling remains urgent.
Christian leaders today must:
1. Preach the unfiltered Word of God – Avoid the temptation of watered-down, feel-good messages. Truth must not be compromised. (2 Timothy 4:2)
2. Confront injustice – Speak out against corruption, discrimination, and social inequalities, just as biblical prophets did. (Isaiah 1:17)
3. Live with integrity – A prophetic voice loses its power when it is tainted by hypocrisy. Leaders must walk in holiness. (Titus 2:7-8)
4. Remain steadfast despite opposition – Just as Jesus, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist faced rejection, modern Christian leaders must be prepared to stand firm. (Matthew 5:10-12)
Will You Answer the Call?
The transformative power of prophetic voices is not just a biblical concept—it is a living reality. Jesus, Jeremiah, and John were not just speakers; they were reformers, change agents, and fearless heralds of God’s truth.
As today’s Christian leaders, the question is not whether God still speaks through prophets—it is whether we are willing to listen, obey, and proclaim His message. Will you answer the call? Will you be a prophetic voice in your generation or a prosperity hawker?
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” – Proverbs 31:8