The Prophetic Journey

The Tears of Things

The prophetic journey often begins with deep anger, judgment, and an overwhelming sense of moral outrage toward the suffering in the world. The prophets initially cry out against injustice, offering strong words of condemnation to the powers that be. Prophets often begin their journey with anger, judgment, and moralistic responses to injustice and suffering, [1] only to experience the transformation of these emotions into a deeper, more profound compassion over time. This evolution is a key aspect of the prophetic path: an emotional journey that transitions from reactive righteousness to a deeper, more mature understanding of human suffering and divine justice. It’s a reflection of how all of us, in our spiritual journeys, must contend with our raw emotional reactions before moving toward insight, love, and healing. The prophets, in their wisdom, demonstrate that this transformation is not instantaneous, but is something we must all experience as we walk deeper into spiritual maturity. (Jeremiah 1:4-10, Ezekiel 2:3-7)

In understanding prophecy, we often fall into the trap of thinking of it as mere prediction, as if the role of the prophet is to foretell future events. But prophecy is so much more than that. Prophecy is about guidance, about inviting us into transformation, and offering deep spiritual insight that pushes us toward a more harmonious and just existence. Prophecy is not just about predicting future events or issuing threats; it is about guiding people through stages of emotional and spiritual transformation. [1] It’s a path that asks us not just to look at what’s coming, but also to reflect on how we can live differently right now. The prophetic voice calls us to be aware of our current actions, thoughts, and emotions, and it invites us to change those so that we can live in alignment with a higher calling. A prophet speaks to our potential, not just our fears or mistakes. Through their words, we are asked to engage with the present moment in a way that opens us up to more peace, more love, and more truth. (Isaiah 42:6-7, Micah 6:8)

But the messages that the prophets bring are never simplistic. They’re not about providing a one-size-fits-all answer to life’s complexities. Instead, prophetic messages reflect the intricate layers of human existence—the wrestling with suffering, the deep questions of meaning, and the struggle to find alignment with divine will. The prophets’ writings reveal a progression from anger and frustration to profound insight and ultimately to hope, joy, and reconciliation. [1] This journey shows us that spiritual growth is complex, and that the answers to life’s big questions are rarely simple. The prophets teach us that growth happens through struggle and transformation. Their evolution—moving from raw, emotional responses to thoughtful, compassionate wisdom—mirrors our own spiritual journeys. It’s only through engaging with the full complexity of life that we come to the place of clarity and understanding that allows us to serve as instruments of peace and healing. (Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4, Jeremiah 29:11-13)

This complexity leads us to rethink traditional ideas like original sin. For so long, we’ve been taught to view sin as something that’s inherent to us—something we must be punished for, something we need to atone for. But what if we understood sin in a different way? What if we saw it as a result of disconnection, of collective failure, and of not living in alignment with the divine? A better understanding of sin is needed to address the deeper emotional and psychological causes of human suffering, not as punishment or retribution, but as a result of our collective actions and failure to live in alignment with love and trust. [1] This reframing invites us to see that sin is not an individual flaw to be shamed but a brokenness that can be healed through connection, through love, and through spiritual growth. It’s a communal issue, and therefore, a communal solution is required. We are invited to step into a healing process—not one of guilt and punishment, but one of collective transformation. (Romans 3:23-24, 1 John 1:9, Isaiah 59:2)

Alongside this, we must recognize that prophecy is inherently linked with truth and love. Prophets speak the truth, but the truth they offer is never one that is meant to wound or divide. Instead, it is meant to heal, to invite transformation, and to challenge us to grow. A true understanding of prophecy requires discerning between truth and love. [1] Without love, even the most accurate truth can be weaponized, leading to judgment and alienation. Prophecy without love is harsh, but prophecy rooted in love is a transformative force, one that builds up and brings us closer to understanding. A prophet’s words, while difficult to hear at times, are ultimately an invitation to reconciliation. They are not meant to tear us down but to show us how we can rise up—together, in love. True prophecy, then, requires us to hold the tension of truth and love in equal measure, understanding that one without the other will always fall short of the divine purpose. (Ephesians 4:15, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Zechariah 8:16-17)

As we reflect on the prophetic journey, we see that its true power lies not in isolated words or actions but in the full arc of the prophet’s life. The most powerful teachings are found not just in what the prophet says but in how they live, in the transformations they undergo, and in the mistakes and struggles they face along the way. The full narrative of the prophets’ journeys—including their imperfections, mistakes, and evolution—is where the most powerful teachings lie. [1] We cannot fully understand the depth of a prophet’s message without seeing their complete journey—the moments of doubt, the times of failure, the process of spiritual growth. It’s through these struggles that the wisdom emerges. Their imperfections make their insights all the more valuable because they show us that transformation is not about being perfect; it’s about being willing to grow, to learn, and to change. We are all invited to live our own prophetic journeys, knowing that our mistakes are just as important as our successes in the development of wisdom. (Jonah 4:1-4, Hosea 11:8-9, 1 Samuel 15:10-23)

Spiritual growth is not a one-time event, and neither is conversion. It is a gradual unfolding, a continual process of becoming. This is an essential truth of the prophetic life. The most powerful transformation happens over time, through repeated efforts, challenges, and the willingness to reflect on who we are and who we are becoming. Spiritual growth and conversion are gradual, not one-time events. [1] Just as the prophets did not receive all their wisdom at once, neither can we expect to have all the answers right away. Instead, we must be patient with ourselves and allow the transformation to unfold in its own time. The prophets were not born with all the wisdom they shared; they grew into it through their experiences, their failures, and their openness to change. In the same way, we must be open to our own process of spiritual growth, trusting that every step—no matter how small or challenging—brings us closer to the fullness of our potential. (Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Peter 3:18)

The prophetic journey is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual path of transformation. Through understanding the progression from anger to love, the complex nature of prophecy, the reimagining of sin, the balance between truth and love, and the gradual unfolding of spiritual maturity, we gain a deeper appreciation of the processes that lead to wisdom and compassion. The prophets invite us into a journey that is deeply personal yet universally shared—a journey of transformation, healing, and growth. They show us the path forward, and in their footsteps, we too can find our own way to a life that is grounded in love, wisdom, and divine purpose. (Matthew 5:14-16, Micah 6:8, James 1:5)

[1] Richard Rohr, The Tears of Things