Pressure

The word of the Lord came (Zechariah 1v1)

It seems that Zechariah had little choice over his calling. The Lord spoke to him, he didn't go out seeking. This is another feature of true prophecy. The message is not irresistible, for sure, but it does come with some force. It is not a force of violence - it feels more like loving persistence, a kind of pressure of a hand that is very, very strong but is also gentle - infinitely gentle - like being woken up from a dream by a kind parent - but you just have to get up to catch the flight or ferry, so you will wake up. 'Say this' says the Lord, and you do, and the world changes.

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