Ezek. 3:18 “If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths.”
What does it mean to be prophetic? What makes something have that extra edge that distinguishes it as prophetic? Why do we need the prophetic and not just the pastoral? These are questions for a great book someone should write ☺ but I have a few thoughts today I’d like to share.
To start with, what gives me or anyone the platform to speak about the prophetic from a place of authority? Very simple, when spiritual authority has observed that particular gift of God and grace in operation on an individual and authenticated it by publicly stating and affirming that gift. Even though all are encouraged to “desire special abilities, especially the gift of prophecy” by Paul in 1 Cor. 14:1, there is no doubt that certain individuals possess a supernatural gifting in this arena and even sometimes function in the office of a prophet.
What are some of the attributes of a prophetic person? Well, obviously, they must love Jesus with all their heart to be qualified to speak about Him. He must be far more than Savior, He must be Lord! The prophetic is about obedience, which requires submission, which requires brokenness, which inevitably requires suffering. This suffering will forge the prophetic gift into a powerful tool for proclaiming the heart of our Lord Jesus. Is everyone who suffers prophetic? No, but everyone who is prophetic will endure the joys of suffering in order to bring purity and clarity to the proclaimed word of the Lord.
From Job to Jeremiah and all through the Word of God the prophetic is associated with 2 indelible marks, suffering and warning. These two characteristics are undeniable and yet, many want to be prophetic without a true understanding of the “fellowship of His suffering.” On the other hand, many reject the prophetic because of the discomfort its warning brings. The moving of the prophetic can be very powerful and sometimes people will glamorize it, but in reality the road of the prophetic is probably the hardest road to travel in regards to ministry gifts and expressions.
What is it about the prophetic that stirs up so much controversy? When the hearts of man become exposed in the light of a holy God there will always be reactions of anger and disdain. This is not the only reaction that comes for many hear the prophetic word and cry out to God for whatever alignment may be needed, but sadly, many do not and will not. The job of the prophet is not to force people into response but to provide people with the warning. When the enemy comes, the watchman is responsible to sound the alarm and once he has done that he has done his duty. He can’t come off the watchtower to convince everyone the enemy is really coming!
This brings me to my final point for today. How does a prophetic person get on the watchtower and know what to sound and when to sound the alarm? By being a person of His Presence! By spending time with the Lord day and night in order to hear His heart and know His voice. Samuel was an illustration of this. Before he began to prophecy he would sleep next to the Ark. This picture shows us that saturating in His glorious presence is the only pathway to knowing His voice.
If you feel the Lord has put a prophetic gift and calling on your life I encourage you today to run toward it with all your might! The road will surely be hard but the fruit will be eternal. There is no better place to be in any calling than perfect obedience to the Master. What a privilege to speak the heart of our Lord Jesus!
Rev. 19:10 “…Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”
This is STRONG pastor! If we read “Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
FIRST are apostles,
SECOND are prophets,
THIRD are teachers,.. (1 Corinthians 12:28 NLT) Were must understand that there is not a “third” without a “second”, nor is there a “second” without a “first.” The structure and order of God is necessary to understand and be established correctly in the church today!
Another reason why the body of Christ is so hurt by the prophetic is because many people are trying to use their weapon without a badge! You become a criminal carrying a weapon without a badge(authority). They have taken a gift and ordained themselves as prophets without the affirmation of an authority as a prophet! Awesome word Pastor! Bless you!
So true. Thank God for those paying the price to be a prophetic voice to the church. Thank God for those willing to hurt us so we can be healed. God, cause the church to embrace the prophetic!
Amen Pastor!! It is important that the church of christ understands the need of the apostolic and the prophetic within it’s walls. Both the building and the vision are necessary for the kingdom of God. The price that is paid by someone they has one of the five fold callings is high and certainly is much grace is needed to not withdraw and to finish the race well. Jeremiah is one of the books that I love but I could see the price that a prophet has to pay to be in tune with God and to give the word of God and the battle that this brings in dreams and other areas so it’s always pure. I see that in everything there is no me in the picture but everything is about God and what he wants to say to his people.
What an awesome and timely word..such a clear explanation ..Many are hurt because of so called “prophetic words” that are false..true prophets are so badly needed and SO important to the body..Thanks Bro. Joel..
LOVE LOVE this!
Great points!!! Thank u
Wow.. This account is one of the clearest, most powerful articulations on this subject that I’ve ever heard. Thank you for sharing, Sir!!
As I read the blog it is so true and powerful as you watch and see those that operate in such calling it is by far not many I can appreciate those that do have this gift but do we listen all the time
Thanks for reposting this… Bless You