Being A Prophet

Usually when we hear the word “prophet” we think of the Old Testament men who made predictions of things to come. It was serious business, Deuteronomy 18:20 has this to say about prophets, “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.” It is not good to be a false prophet.

Yet the entire history that unfolds in the Old Testament is in fact the prophecy of the coming Messiah. The true prophets were a very important aspect of God’s work and He used them in many ways.

There are many disagreements about the spiritual gifts; which ones there really are and if they are relevant today. But in the New Testament days I believe we have too oft misunderstood the gift of prophecy. I believe the Bible is complete, that in it God has spoken and thus given us everything we need to know as we live out our lives in anticipation of the return of Christ. I do not believe we need future prophecy to be given except what is already been prophesized in the Bible. We don’t even need to know what will specifically happen in our own lives day today because we are called to live and to walk by faith, not by sight. Jesus instructed to pray for “daily” bread. He told us not to worry about tomorrow in Matthew 6:34, but to focus on today. We are to watch and pray for His return.

Yet there is a need for prophecy, but the prophecy needed is for us “to proclaim the truth of scripture with God’s authority”, as the word prophet is defined in Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary. Paul had something very important to say about the value of the spiritual gift of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 saying this, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” He would go on to state that when we prophesize we “build up the church”.

Scripture is clear that love must be the primary focus of our Christian life. When we share the Word of God it builds up people. It restores them, it comforts them, it encourages them, and most of it gives us hope in the midst of a hard life on this earth. Above all things it brings glory to God for His Word is truth. This is the best expression of love we can give.

So let us boldly proclaim and share the Word of God. We don’t need the psychology of man; we need the truth of scripture. The church is filled with hurting people; the world even more so. So seek the gift of prophecy above all else. But even if we don’t have a particular gift that should not stop us from the work that is done by those who have these gifts. Not all have the gift of evangelism; yet we should all share the Gospel. Not all have the gift of giving; yet all should give. Not all have the gift of mercy; yet we must all show mercy. Those who have the various gifts will shine for God when they use their gift. But most of the gifts are supernatural additions to the things we should be practicing as Christians. We cannot use the excuse of not having a gift for not doing the things all of us should be doing.

Ask God for the gift of prophecy. But read the Word of God and study it to become proficient at sharing it to build up and encourage others. I promise you if you do you will find yourself growing and being encouraged by His Word. It is God’s Word. In it is all we need to know.