Written by Andy Singleterry
“Prophetic ministry” means different things to different people. I’m thinking particularly of the Old Testament prophets and their work among the Israelites, what that precedent meant for Jesus, and how we can follow their example today.
1. The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann
One of the most influential pieces of biblical studies of the last fifty years, The Prophetic Imagination offers a compelling examination of Old Testament prophecy and then links it to Jesus. Brueggemann’s scathing critique of Solomon’s kingship rules my interpretation of that history, as does his contrast between Jeremiah and Second Isaiah as the exemplars of the two prophetic roles. This thin, dense book is well worth the effort.
2. The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel
Rabbi Heschel was steeped in the history of Rabbinic interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures, and he applies it here to the prophets. But he was also a keen observer and participant in twentieth century life, and he brings that perspective to his subject as well. Why would someone go through the hardships of the prophet’s life? Read Heschel to find out.
3. The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is by N.T. Wright
I have learned more about Jesus and the New Testament from N.T. Wright than from anyone else; The Challenge of Jesus was my introduction. Who was and is Jesus? One of Wright’s key answers is, he was a prophet. We easily think of him as king and savior, but Wright reminds us that his most obvious title to his direct observers was “prophet.” Wright, with Brueggemann, shows that we miss a lot about Jesus if we don’t see him the same way.
4. Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World, by René Girard
Girard’s book is the most thought-provoking I’ve read in years. Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World isn’t mainly about prophetic ministry, but that is one theme he and his conversation-partners touch on. (The book is actually a transcription of a long interview by two psychologists.) It’s a difficult read, and I’m still puzzling through what I think of it, but Girard’s theories are absolutely fascinating. He never comes out and says it, but I think Girard deeply desired to be called a prophet himself.