Prophets- What, Who,Where, and Why? (part 2)

Who is or was a prophet? I believe that the common misconception in the world today is that there isn't any prophets around and also there isn't a need for them. This is the 21st century. With the technology and the enlightenment that we have why would we need someone to give us direction? So where to start?
Who? The Old Testament has a number of Prophets to draw on some have great name recognition, such as Noah or Moses. If they were running for political office they wouldn't have any trouble in having there names noticed. Others are not as well known, Malachi, Joel or Haggai. What are the common threads that runs through them?

• Faith- These men of God recognized the role that they were called to do. Even more importantly they recognized the source in which that role came from and who's will they were bringing about. When faith is mentioned Job and the trials and tribulations that he had to endure comes to mind. It was not something that he sought and it was not something that he did to get gain.

Another person that comes to mind is that of Joseph- the coat guy. He was the youngest and did not seek gain. Although he was favored by his father- and his brothers were extremely jealous of that favor- his position was not sought. He ended up in Egypt- had a great job until the bosses wife got involved. He found himself in prison. He did not lose faith. In time he was able to save his family.

• Obedience- These men were obedient. Because of that obedience great blessings came. Joseph was able to secure a job in a time of plenty and a time of drought. In doing so he was able to bless his family years after the initial act of obedience. Moses was able to lead his people away from Egypt and to a promised land where Israel would prosper. On occasion there may have been some reluctance on part of a prophet to obey- specifically Jonah comes to mind and after some convincing he does obey and go to Ninevah to preach.
  
• Other characteristics- there are many other characteristics that are applicable to the prophets found in the Old Testament. Things such as courage, meekness, strength and even recognizing ones own weaknesses and admitting such. Many times they were alone in their faith- they had to be strong. Sometime the counsel that they gave was contrary to the popular beliefs at the time. What would you do if a neighbor started to build a large ship in the middle of your neighborhood?

Next- Some of the greatest trash talking is done in the Old Testament-the NBA can't even compete.