Bittersweet

"For the prophets the word of God is a distinct reality that encounters them almost as something material. They therefore see the relationship of this word to history as also something almost material, in any case as an indescribably effective power." Gerhard von Rad

"If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth" (Jer. 15.19). To be the mouth of God. Is there no greater privledge? Yet the prophets were often scorned people. How Israel's kings dreaded their forays out of the desert and into civilization. They are the conscience of a nation. I have found "if" to be a fearsome word.

In the sound of silence he trembles, from the strength of it all.
In the silence he frets, that there will be no call.
In the silence he chooses, trying to make sense of it all.
In the sound of silence he crumbles, under the weight of it all.

The prophets only recourse is to open his mouth. He has no choice in that matter, though there is much choosing in what may be ultimately said. In this the prophet must tremble, or he be no prophet at all. The mere possibility that there be that which is "precious" and that which is "worthless" should make any prophet pause. The prophet is tentative about it all. For is not God's word, power? That which is sweet becomes bitter. That which energizes becomes burdensome. Only as the prophet is crushed like a rose pedal can the full sense of the fragrance be felt. The prophet does not tame the word, for it is a power all its own. No, the prophet is tamed by the word. Harnessing him, driving him, compelling him..... at times breaking him. In brokenness precious words fall like raindrops on a dry and thirsty land. In tatters the prophet collects himself, only to repeat it all. Sola Fide, WHB