*This is a series of posts which might be of benefit for the first time reader to begin at the “Introduction” for continuity sake.
As an historian, I tend to see history through 2 important lenses: Providential and Restorative. This means I believe God has intervened and continues to intervene in human history for His purposes. In like manner, I also believe He is breaking our incessant default to pragmatism and attempting to restore divine pattern and design to His Church. If we desire divine results, we must consider divine patterns. When it comes to what the Lord dwells in, the Bible indicates that He can be very detailed (Consider the Ark of the Covenant, The Temple, The Tabernacle and utensils). I do believe prophets can help to align us with God’s restorative program. Consider some insightful Scriptures related to these thoughts:
“Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret [plans] to His servants the prophets.”
- Amos 3:7
In other words, prophets help people understand the times, seasons, and future of the work of the Lord. They have a part in assisting the people of God and the Church at large forge a vision for the future.
“So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
- Ezra 5:2
Prophets bring a ministry of encouragement and exhortation. They assist the local church and the people of God in building something that remains. It’s not about them, but rather the work of the Lord in the earth.
“So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”
- 2 Chronicles 20:20
The prophets will solicit the people’s faith to believe what the Lord is revealing.
To sum up what the prophet’s assignment entails from these passages, we find:
- An unveiling of God’s plans.
- A support to what the Lord is building locally.
- A confidence and establishment of God’s Will.
In the New Testament, according to Ephesians 4:11-16, they are a part of a group or perhaps a team which equips the saints for the “work of service”. The Greek is fascinating as the word for “equip” denotes, “a thorough and complete restoration”. The word “work” denotes, “a supernatural activity rather than a physical labor”. This ministry remains UNTIL the benchmarks of vv. 12-16 come to pass in a complete and supernatural expression.
For me, I see the ministry of the NT Prophet synopsized in the following terms:
- Instructor
As with any Ascension gift ministry, there is a teaching component to the work of the prophets. They teach God’s people and the Church concerning God’s Will, the future, His ways, and the work of their office in the local church. Prophets must deeply know and obey the Scripture. Their insights and understanding of the times while vital, are still grounded in the foundation and establishment of the Scriptures.
- Catalyzer
The definition of catalyst is “a person or thing that precipitates an event.” Drop a prophet in a ministry moment and their anointing can literally catapult divine activity and action. Things that were bottled up or dormant, suddenly find breakthrough and movement.
- Activator
Prophetic ministry can activate ministry, calling, and vision. There can be what some call “impartation” of gifts and destiny (see Romans 1:11 and especially I Timothy 4:14). Prophets have a ministry which can unlock the door of tomorrow’s promise.
- Motivator
Haggai and Zechariah motivated the people in temple construction. Ezekiel motivated the people with encouraging visions (37:1-10). Since prophecy is the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 19:10), there is a continual sense of “Good News” under a NT prophet’s ministry. The prophet “sees” the potential of what people might be as they yield to the Will of God. They help people prepare for what is right around the corner. They remind the people that the Lord knows where they are, what they are facing, and He has not forgotten them.
- Corrector
Candidly, all through the Scripture it was the prophet who brought the word of correction to the people of God. Shepherd’s (pastors) have the primary ministry of “shearing their sheep” in the local congregation when they need it, but it can not be dismissed that the genuine NT prophet is a voice of correction to the Body of Christ at large. Their voice brings God’s people back to the “plum line” of obedience to Scripture. I would also underscore, that the prophet was probably better equipped to exhort and correct government officials as that relationship was more underscored in the Scripture.
Personally, I believe the prophet plays an important role in this hour. If God’s desire is for His Church to stand in full maturity (and it is), then it is evident prophets must play a part in that mission. The dilemma, of course, is how that happens when at least TWO offices (Apostle and Prophet) have ceased to some who teach and preach in the Church. This is not to question anyone’s sincerity in their exegetical work in understanding the contemporary work of the Holy Spirit. I have no problem calling many pastors and teacher my brother and friend, despite our differences surrounding the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. The problem is, sincerity is not the foundation upon which the Lord builds. All of us know people who are “sincere” in what they believe, but they are in fact, “sincerely wrong”.
The Lord builds upon truth. The churches which make room for apostolic and prophetic expression will provide a foundation (Ephesians 2:20) for the Lord to complete His restorative work. Those who choose not to, may not have the foundational “legs” to arise and participate in the work of the Spirit in this hour.
Thankfully, the Lord is patient, gracious, and kind. He is FOR, ALL His people. May we all accurately have “ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church”, and the courage to fearlessly obey.
End of series
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