The prophet Amos, a herdsmen of Tekoa, made this prophecy about 760 BC; “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.” (Amos 8:11) This prophecy was specifically fulfilled in his generation as the nation of Israel was led into captivity and the light of the LORD was removed from Israel as her prophets were largely silenced. We see an even greater application of it during the period of time (approximately 400 years) between the prophecy of Malachi and the coming of the last Old Testament prophet, being John the Baptizer (Baptist); who was the immediate forerunner of the ONE and ONLY SAVIOR, JESUS the CHRIST.
The writer of Hebrews states, “God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” (Heb 1:1-2) We are in no wise now dependent upon “prophets” after the OT order to deliver unto us the oracles of GOD.
Though there have been many ages in the life of this world in which it has pleased the LORD to hide HIS truth in a mystery, yet now, here in these “last days”, of the world, HE has made known the mystery of GODLINESS with great clarity. “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col 1:26-27) All truth in heaven and earth, finds its revelation in and through HIM who is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. HE is the unfolding of all mysteries and is now the revealer of all TRUTH. “Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:67-69)
Whereas in times past (specifically speaking of the Old Testament era) the LORD ordained periods when HE removed the voice of the prophets from the people in order to manifest HIS chastening of them; such is not, specifically, the case now. The gift of prophecy in the OT sense is not needed today nor are there any prophets of that type around. The LORD JESUS CHRIST has now come as the GREAT PROPHET who has once spoken (see Rev.22:18,19) and is now speaking forth HIS truth through HIS SPIRIT to those whom HE is pleased to give ears to hear it.
There have been times (since HIS advent, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension) when HE has been pleased to give multitudes the ability to hear HIS word and has subsequently swept multitudes into HIS kingdom, even as we witness in the early days of HIS establishment of HIS church in the earth. “Then they that gladly received his word (having heard it) were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Act 2:41) “Many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.” (Acts 4:4) “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)
There have also been many times since then when HE has been pleased to send a “famine” of this “hearing” of the word of GOD. In such times HIS church does languish and cry out for a time of refreshing sent by the LORD. (see Acts 3:19) The saints of GOD who are given discernment to recognize this time of “famine” do long to “hear” from heaven and yet sometimes they cannot. The LORD has designed these times of “famine” for HIS own purpose and glory, and ultimately the benefit of all of those who are “the called according to HIS purpose.” (Rom.8:28) who are members of that Church against which the gates of hell cannot prevail.
Yet whether in times of “famine” or in times of “refreshing” sent by the LORD, the LORD does work HIS sovereign will and HIS work of the deliverance of HIS people is always right on schedule. This is truly the source of the glorying of HIS people as they see HIM enthroned in the heavens with the scepter of authority in HIS mighty hand.
HE is a triumphant KING. “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psa 2:6) HIS dominion is without end and encompasses the vast regions of the universe both known and unknown to men. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isa 9:6-7)
HE is a triumphant WARRIOR. “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Col 2:15) “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live forever. If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy. Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.” (Deut 32:39-43)
HE is a triumphant MAN. “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15) “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” (Heb 5:8-9) “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” (1Pet 2:21-23)
HE is a triumphant SAVIOR. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Mat 1:21) “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” (Isa 63:1) Yes dear guilt laden sinner, you who fear and tremble at the mention of HIS name, HE is indeed mighty to save and will lose none of those which are given to HIM by the FATHER. HE bids those who are heavy laden to come unto HIM, though they have no strength of their own and are filled with many fears and doubts, yet HE has power to save the helpless, the poor, and the weak, and out of the abundance of HIS power HE does give the gift of faith to those who have none. HE will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax until HE has brought forth victory. “For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Rom 10:11) HE does bring forth the salvation of sinners by HIS own power and outstretched arm. “Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power” (Psalm 21:13)
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