Thus Says the Lord

In the Bible which I read as a boy all the words of Jesus were in red print.  Maybe there is some argument with this simplistic statement.  I am just reporting what I was told.  But, in the spirit of the red print edition, I wonder why the speaking of God did not get the same treatment in the Old Testament.  It is obvious He did a lot of speaking.  Some of those Old Testament saints had conversations which have  been recorded.  And, in the prophetic writings, we frequently read, "Thus says the Lord..."  (Jeremiah 6:16)   

When we run into those words where the prophet seems to be speaking for the Lord, this prophetic formula separates what a prophet like Jeremiah might be saying from a Word which all but comes from the mouth of God.  Certainly, this prophetic formula gives a unique sense of authority to what is already the authentic Word of God.  Perhaps, those "Thus says the Lord"  words are worthy of some red print.   

There are still some in our society who speak for the Lord, or at least such is what they are expected to do.  Preachers have this responsibility.  When there is a failure to embrace this foundational view of preaching, the preacher, the preaching, and the congregation suffers.  It is such an awesome responsibility, many shirk it by declaring it impossible to do.  What is offered in its place is preacher based preaching, politically correct preaching, and let-me-entertain you preaching which is a far cry from the intent of "Thus says the Lord."