Sons of the Prophets

The Prophetical Schools

I Samuel 10:5-13; 19:18-24
I Kings 18:4, 13; 19:1, 10, 14; 20:35-43
2 Kings 2:1-18; 4:1, 38; 5:22; 6:1-4; 9:1

The Call to Prophetic Service in the life and ministry of the Prophet Samuel took place during a time of great transition in the Operation of the Office of Prophecy! Samuel was the last of the Judges and the first of the line of Prophets. “Yea, and all the Prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days” (Acts 3:24; Heb.11:32). For this reason, the Prophet Samuel set up and established “companies”, or Schools of PROPHETS in the hope of equipping, developing, maturing, and releasing a brand new generation of prophets and prophetic people (to introduce: to present or bring into existence; and to cause to grow, and to multiply; to gain full recognition and acceptance of a brand new breed of prophets representing a brand new generation of prophetic people prepared to carry out God’s Will to each and every successive generation). “And when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed (leader) over them”, Samuel was a Fathering Prophet (2 Kings 2:12, 6:21; 13:14) and the Senior Prophet at the School of Prophets (I Sam.19:20: Under the leadership of Samuel’s successor’s, Elijah and Elisha the Schools of Prophets began to grow).

The first school to accomplish this purpose, was established at Ramah (I Sam. 19:18-20); others followed at Bethel (2 Kings 2:2-3), Jericho (2 Kings 2:4-5, 7, 15), Gilgal (2 Kings 2:1; 4:38), and Jordan (2 Kings 2:6-7; 6:1-7). An assembly of promising students gathered to be trained for the prophetic work to which they were called. These “Prophetic Gatherings” were so successful that from the time of Samuel to the closing of the Old Testament Cannon there was constantly a group of prophets to answer the call to prophetic service. The primary course of study was the law and its interpretation: subsidiary subjects of instruction were music and sacred poetry. These Prophetic People were taught how to respond to the Spirit of the Lord in worship and prophecy, both of which music and sacred poetry played a very important role (I Sam.10:5-6, 16:14-23; 2 Kin.3:11-16; I Chron.25:1-7; 2 Chron.29:25, 30; 35:14-16; Ps.49:1-4).

Prophets generally lived out of the main stream; their habits (customs), and manner of living was quite simple, plain, and very consistent (disciplined; rigorous and repetitious). The “Sons of the Prophets” were pupils of the Prophets being trained in “the things of the Spirit”, and in the “Operation of Prophecy”, and in the habits of holy living and “devotion to God”. Those who had a Prophetic Call on their lives would “gather prophetically” to learn the ways of the Lord, and to be trained in Divine matters! In such “Prophetic Gatherings” there was a general presence of the “Spirit of Prophecy” which would rest upon all present; “And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise” (I Sam.10:5-13, 19:18-24).

The PROPHETS are described as having derived (to take or receive from; to obtain from a specific source; to trace back) their Prophetical Office directly from God. The Prophetical Appointment could not be superimposed by any man, people, or religious institution (to place in, to occupy, or to impose as a duty: unless under Divine direction). The School of Prophets was never meant to be the place to receive the Call of God to Prophetic Ministry; but rather, the place to be trained and perfected! These “Prophetic Gatherings” were used to help those prepare for spiritual service called to Prophetic Ministry: whether the Prophetic Gifting, or the Office of Prophecy (keep in mind that the one called to the PROPHETIC OFFICE is also able to minister at every other level or dimension of Prophetic Service).

From the death of Moses, to the High Priest and Judge, Eli “visions were few, and far between” (1 Sam.3:1-10), during the 450 years of the rule of the Judges in Israel. The Priestly Office, which was originally God’s first choice, through which Israel as a Nation was to be instructed and governed relative to spiritual matters, “And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the Prophet” (Acts 13:20). Sadly, the Priestly Order had lost it luster (glow of reflected light and brilliance) and had fallen from the “high call” as Divine Instruments used of God to feed, counsel, and direct the religious affairs of the people. The Israelites no longer moved or convicted by the acted lessons of the ceremonial service, needed warnings and exhortations that would challenge their return back to the true spirit and intent of the giving of the Law of God. Under these conditions a new spiritual power was called upon, and called forth to Holy Service: the Prophetical Order!

Prophetical Gatherings

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth (improves or hones the skills of another: HONING: to make more acute, intense or effective, to enlarge) the countenance (bearing, demeanor, mood, emotion, and character) of his friend (so one man sharpens another) . . . As in water face answereth (reflects) face, so the heart of man to man (so a man’s heart reflects and reveals the inner person or inner life of that man; and acting as a MIRROR confronting the heart or inner life of another man).”

Proverbs 27:17-19

This reveals to us that there is a way to knowing ourselves! As the water acts like a “mirror”, in which we may see our own face by reflection, so there are “mirrors” by which the “character of one man” is discovered through encountering the character of another! Let a man examine his own conscience, thoughts, affections, and intentions. Let him behold his natural face in the glass of DIVINE LAW confrontationally, that he may learn what kind of man he is, and what his true NATURE IS? The great advantage of “true fellowship”, is that it challenges all who are apart of its New Wine! God has fashioned men’s hearts alike! No one thing is so like another, as one man is to his fellow man! One corrupt heart is like another, and so is one sanctified heart, for they will both bear that same likeness or image (Fruit) of its UNSEEN ROOT (unseen source). I Sam.10:1011; Gen.11:1-9; Gal.5:13-15; Rom.12:9-21 James 1:23.

Fellowship (companionship; a company of equals or friends, an association; group: membership or partnership; common interests, common activity, feeling, or experience) is a very valuable tool for the development of the prophetic person, and for the people of God. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ . . . Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: Heb.3:1, 6, 12-14, 10:23-25, 33; I Cor.16:10-20. Fellowship speaks of persons being tightly grouped and growing closely together! The curse comes when no true fellowship can be found! There are two terms (sons of the prophets, and company of prophets) in the scriptures used in relation to the “prophetical gathering” of the prophets and prophetic people; and a third term not found in scripture, but used to help define the meaning of the other two terms (school of prophets). It is important to understand, that while the two terms (being at the same time interchangeable) and used to indicate the formation of a “School of Prophets” yet, the emphasis placed on these two TERMS are different! The term “sons of the prophets” is used to emphasize (to stress; to give special prominence, or importance to) the training aspect of the “prophetical gathering” while the “company of prophets” is used to emphasize the “fellowship and accountability” aspect of the prophets and prophetic people. Let the prophets (notice the plurality of purpose) speak two or three, and let the others judge (notice once again the plurality of function) . . . For ye all may prophesy one by one, that all may learn . . . and the spirits of the prophets (again the plurality of service) are subject to the prophets (plurality of function)” (I Cor.14:29-32). The balance is found in the prophetical gathering where all find true fellowship and spiritual accountability.

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part” (I Cor.13:9). This is so important to grab hold of, because of the need for both positional authority (they that represent His Position of Authority “seat of Moses” within the local church) and functional authority (the combination of all the gifts and callings of God within the Body of believers, “leadership and laity alike” inter-relating and inter-acting with each other as He purposes by His Spirit through the various ministries, operations, administrations and diversities of gifts within the local church for the empowerment and accomplishment of His Divine Eternal Purpose and Plan). These acting as a “check and balance” one to another: within the local assembly, as well throughout the entire Body of Christ! PAUL, a “set gift” (one who through humble submission to the Will of God, and sacrificial service to the “brotherhood of believers” in representing His Position of Authority) said, “Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine” (I Cor.14:6). Notice that it is the responsibility of the “set gift” to PROFIT OTHERS. The “set gift” or “visionary” (including the presbyter, the ruling body of Elders) having positional authority acting as a spiritual covering or spiritual mentors, “spiritual fathers”, standing in His Place as under-shepherds laying down their lives for the welfare of the sheep. These same leaders could become oppressive and controlling, unless God is actively involved in the “fellowship” through functional authority (this could involve both leadership and laity alike; an Old Testament example: Kings and Priests having positional authority throughout all Israel held accountable by the Prophets and through the Authority of Prophetic Ministry). God, foreseeing the need to have a check and balance with those called to operate in the Priestly Office, as well as those called to operate in the Nations Civil Government. Prophets will exert an influence upon rulers and state affairs, not as officers of the state, but as special messengers from God. Most of the Kings of Israel and Judah had prophets sent to them (Samuel to Saul and David: I Samuel Chap. 9, 10, 16; Gad and Nathan to David: 2 Samuel Chap. 12, 24:10-25; Nathan to Solomon: I Kings 1:32-40; Sheminiah to Rehoboam: I Kings 12:21-24; Elijah and Elisha to Ahab: I Kings Chap.17-19).

The record of the various writings of the Books of the major and minor Prophets are messages from God, through the prophets, to both the people, and those responsible with shepherding and governing the people of God in spiritual things and in civil matters (Isa.1:1-2; Jer.1:1-2; Hos.1:1; Mic.1:1; Amos.1:1; Zep.1:1; Mal.1:1). A wonderful example of spiritual parental guidance is found in the story of the Prodigal Son: “A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. And he divided unto them his living.” Despite the potential harm and error of his younger son’s choice, the freedom to fail was given by a truly mature and loving father. A true, mature spiritual father would never miss an opportunity to teach and train those under his care. This is the true meaning behind the Apostle Paul’s statement, “according to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon.” God’s building is God’s People!

The foundation here refers to the initial forming of Christ in the heart and lives of those that the Apostle Paul had ministered to (Gal.4:19). Many leaders today, who have the responsibility to care for, and teach the people, end up robbing them of that PROCESS. This process is a deep work within the inner-man to conform them to the image, likeness, nature and purpose of the Son of God. “How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you has a psalm, have a doctrine, have a tongue, have a revelation, have an interpretation. Let all things be done unto EDIFYING” (I Cor.14:26-27). The Bible tells us that the BLESSING is found in the “cluster” and we are commanded not to DESTROY IT! Wherever true “fellowship” is formed and/or found, God will COMMAND a blessing; Ps.133:1-3. “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, destroy it not; for a blessing is in it” Isa.65:8. This is why the key to the health of the “cluster” is found in the DEATH and/or DYING of the “seed” the SET GIFT or the VISIONARY (the one that God has raised up and released to do a special task; and in doing so, will also send others to help in the assistance of that very same task. This rightly constitutes the “cluster” or true fellowship). The seed will always precede the cluster! The Bible tells us that every TREE will yield FRUIT after its own KIND! THE SEED DETERMINES THE KIND OF TREE! The “cluster anointing” is impossible without the death of the seed! There are very few Spiritual Leaders in the Church who have experienced a sufficient amount of death to SELF (death to their own personal desires and ambitions) and a total death to their SEED (their calling and gifting). The Bible tells us that the true SHEPHERD or true Spiritual Father will lay down his life for the SHEEP (John 10:11). The Office of Prophecy, “the spirit and power of Elijah” will turn the hearts of the FATHERS to the children, and the hearts of the children to the FATHERS, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; having only one purpose in mind, “to make ready a people (a generation) prepared for the coming of the Lord” (Mal.4:5-6; Luke 1:17). This has everything to do with the DEATH of the SEED and the FORMATION of the “cluster” that God might pour out an anointing, NEW WINE upon a people (a generation), whose HEARTS desire a true touch from the Heavenly Father! What must be grasped is the overall essential meaning of the saying by the Prophet Malachi, where it concerns fathers and sons! This saying in Malachi has less to do with one man or leader becoming the CENTER or focus (focal point) of the majority; but rather, the focus is on the MAJORITY “the gathering of a people” the refocusing of one generation, to serve in preparing and equipping the next generation. It is MANDATED by God, that this “present” generation of Believers break that endless cycle of selfish, self-serving, and self-centered activity: thus breaking the curse of what has been passed down from every proceeding generation. If the heart and/or desire of this present generation of Believers fail to turn toward the next generation of Believers the plight of the Church in America is gloomy and dismal (a curse). This present generation demands SERVICE, and yet, at the same time, gives very little IN RETURN. “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (follow my example)” (John 12:25-26; Mark 8:34).

The Body of Christ operates by functional authority depending on the specific “gifting and call of God on their lives”; without the releasing of this functional authority within the Body of Believers, there cannot be a “cluster anointing” wherein is found the blessing of NEW WINE. (The multifaceted power, presence, and person of the Lord Jesus Christ himself in the earth through His people) “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love”, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ”, “But unto everyone of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” Eph.4:15-16, 13, 7. God has SET in the Church “miracles”, as much as He has SET “apostles”; God has SET in the Church “gifts of healings” as much as He has SET “prophets”. Teachers are SET in the Church, and so are: helps, governments, diversities of tongues, and every other possible potential gifting and calling of God in the Body of Christ (I Cor.12:10-12, 18-20, 24-31), and these all having their various functions or operations taking place within the Church, and finding expression throughout a vast living body of people.

The Bible tells us, as a people of God, to PROVOKE (to direct attention to; to call forth, to evoke, to stir up purposely, to provide the needed stimulus for; to arouse as by pricking) one another to LOVE and GOOD WORKS! The “Brotherhood of Believers” is a very powerful tool in the Hand of God, to DEVELOP as well as PROTECT that treasure within the earthen vessel (Acts 14:21-28; 15:32-41; 18:23; 21:1-10; 2 Thess.3:13-15; I Cor.5:6-13; I Cor.15:33; 2 Cor.6:14-18). “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, is one body: so also is Christ” (I Cor.12:12). Christ is not only a BODY of people corporately; but also an individual member in particular! Before we will ever become a corporate expression of Christ’s Body: we must first, each and everyone of us, being a single unit and unique individual body part yield to Christ within and find expression through the measure of the gift of Christ given by the GRACE of God!

Prophecy as a Profession

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?

I Kings 22:5-8 (1-28); Amos 7:12, 14-15; John 7:14-17; Acts 4:13-14, 19, 21; Ephesians 3:2-5

“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ”.

Galatians 1:10-12 (6-24) KJ

The Prophetic Appointment is KNOWLEDGE imparted by REVELATION through DIVINE UNCTION. The anointing means: we are full of Christ; Prophetic Work is unto that, the fullness of Christ, the finality of Christ, the all-inclusiveness of Christ; a beholding of the very image of the Glory of the Son of God, and being changed into the very image of God that is being beheld: Paul said, “Therefore “SEEING” we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; . . . For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; . . . For God, . . . hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor.3:16-18; 4:1-7). This is why the PROPHETS in the Old Testament were originally called “SEERS”, men who saw! They saw what other men could not see, or they saw what was impossible for other’s to see! The Prophetic Work demands Revelation, being a MINISTRY of Revelation, or a MINISTRY of experiencing great enlightenment or great illumination of the Word, Purpose and Person of God (Eph.1:1-23). Prophetic Work under the direction of the Holy Spirit is a SERVICE to God, through an ever- increasing and ever-growing experience with Revelation! A True Prophetic Work requires that a man go back to God, again and again; and this same man: not leaving the presence of God until God reveals to him the next step or the next thing to say or do. There is absolutely nothing professional about his position at all! When prophecy becomes a matter of profession (how one makes a living, even though this is the exact way he/she made a living) or becomes professional, tragedy will then overtake the PROPHETICAL OFFICE! We musn’t confuse these Schools of the Prophets with the true Prophetical Office or with the true prophetical appointment. There is a world of difference between one who attended and graduated from a so-called school of prophets, and the TRUE PROPHETS themselves, being represented by such men as Samuel, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Whenever Prophetical Work becomes professional, something is immediately lost. The very essence and nature of PROPHETIC SERVICE is received by REVELATION, illumination, and through deep spiritual enlightenment afresh and anew each and every time. It is the very nature of revelation to keep things alive, vibrant, and fresh, and continually being filled with DIVINE ENERGY through one encounter with God to the next. Prophetic Succession is not the succession of TEACHING; it is the succession of PROPHETICAL UNCTION! Something that comes from God, by the operation of God: that there might be something very real, very living and POWERFUL which God affects through an instrumentality, being an “individual” or even a “company of prophetic people”, that God placed/set under a Prophetic Mantle and Prophetic Anointing! It is by the ANOINTING of His Holy Spirit that brings about another touch of glory or that “face to face” or Spirit to spirit encounter with God. The Prophetical Succession (the act or process of following in a particular order or line: a sequence of things) is by the Prophetical Unction alone, and not by framework, or doctrine or teaching. The Prophetic Office cannot be duplicated, copied, or activated by an elected person (appointed by men). The Prophetic Office is not governed by diplomacy, policy, or even by public opinion! The Prophetic Office and Prophetic Work is governed by the Word of the Lord in the heart of the one called to Prophetic Service by the revelation knowledge of His Divine Purpose.

Now it is very important to always keep in mind that the Hebrew word for “prophet” was used for some who did not function as GOD’S MOUTHPIECES or as of yet, not released into the Office of Prophecy by the Holy Spirit! “Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, THY SERVANT my husband is dead; and thou knowest that THY SERVANT did fear the Lord” (2 Kings 4:1). In the time of Samuel and thereafter: there were men who followed closely, and even served in the ministries of the PROPHETS. These who served the “prophets” went about praising God hoping to stir the people of Israel to return to God. Followers of Elijah and Elisha formed into groups to assist, and to learn from these men of God. The Hebrew word for prophet used in this sense simply means a friend or companion and one of the followers of or those who served the PROPHETS. There is a wonderfully powerful example in the scriptures of one who “served” among the “prophets” being released into Prophetic Service. “And a certain man of the “Sons of the Prophets” said unto his neighbor (companion) in the Word of the Lord, . . . So the “Prophet” (referring to the man) departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face . . . And he (referring to the man) hasted, and took the ashes away from his face; and the King of Israel discerned him that he was “of the Prophets” (I Kings 20:35, 38, 41).

There is a tremendous danger in the formation of a “Company or School of Prophets” that is not divinely directed by the Spirit of God. The very nature of what it means to “gather prophetically” or to call for a sacred assembly of “prophets” or prophetic people: is to keep alive the Presence, Purpose, Power, and Person of God among the people! The temptation to Organize, or INSTITUTIONALIZE the Move of God, even among “prophets” is a great tragedy today among many who are called to Prophetic Service! The temptation to CONTROL MEN and their MESSAGE; and to control, manipulate, and use for personal gain the Move, Message, and Method of God is widespread among those called to the Prophetical Order! There are many examples in the scriptures where the Prophetical Order had become Professionally Organized (institutionalized) by the “so called religious establishment of their day”, and then INFILTRATED by the philosophy (the beliefs, ideas, concepts, and wisdom of men), and vain deceit of men (vain: empty, foolish, worthless: deceit: device to deceive, cunning, and deception), after the traditions of men (the handing down of information, beliefs, customs by word of mouth, or by example from one generation to another; cultural or institutional continuity in social attitudes and behaviors; an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior: as religious practice), after the rudiments of the natural world or natural life (rudiments: the basic fundamental principles, or elements of the natural world/life: basic human need and desire) and not after Christ (Col.2:6-23; 3:1-17).“This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Matt.15:1-9; Mk.7:1-13). These same men, who then take over the Prophetical Work, do so only to use it for their own personal lust, greed, and ambition! “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their BELLY (carnal appetites), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” (Phil.3:17-21). Do not misunderstand me! Gathering prophetically has great advantage; as long as gathering; not the GATHERING, the Organization: remains the one and true focus of the Prophet and Prophetic People (examples of the dangers of Institutionalized Prophecy as a profession are replete within the Holy Writ: Jer.27:1-17 (9-10, 14-18); 28:1-17; 29:1-32; Neh.6:1-19 (7, 12-14); I Kings 22:1-29 (5-6); 2 Kings 3:9-18). Young budding Prophets that come up in the Church system of man have little survivability within a system where man is lord, and the doctrines of men define and limit the walk and work of a prophet. In fact, the Church system of man is wholly incompatible with those who need to be led by the Lord Jesus Christ and to be wholly submitted to Him. When a young prophet appears within the Church system of man, they are more often tethered by a variety of man-made doctrines that on the surface seem helpful, but in most cases is to compel them to be in submission to men in the Church. This is often the death of a prophet! A true prophet cannot serve two masters, either Christ is the head or man. It does not and will not work both ways! Prophets are often perceived by pastors to be a threat to their ministries or their authority and, oftentimes pastors fear prophets because of whom they represent: the Lord Jesus Christ. Simply put, a prophet is to be the spokesperson for the Lord God Jesus Christ, not the local Church, man or church authority (keep in mind, that the true Prophet (Functional Authority) is to act as a check and balance to the Priests and Pastors of the Local Assembly (Positional Authority). While accountability is of the utmost importance for protecting true prophetic service: within most Churches and among most Pastors these are unprepared to oversee the equipping, development, maturity and releasing of God’s Prophets in Holy Service). Unfortunately many young prophets who were raised in the Church system never bonded with Christ to endow them with the fortitude to stand, and not be drawn away. They were bonding more with man than with God and became subject to man’s ways. This is not uncommon for we read in I Kings 22:6 and in other portions of scriptures where the Kings of Israel and Judah had their own prophets of the King’s court who prophesied in agreement with their own desire. These are clear references to certain prophets who spoke for the King and were not Prophets of the Most High, but were the King’s prophets. If we are not careful we as His Prophets will find ourselves ministering out of the influence of man’s spirit and will and not the Holy Spirit.

Prophetic Prospective

Prophetic Work or “Prophetic Service” in light of the Office of Prophecy is spiritual interpretation! It is the interpretation of things from a Divine and Eternal standpoint, providing the Church with an understanding of things from a spiritual value and meaning: a voice that INTERPRETS the heart and mind of God to the people. It musn’t be inferred that the Prophetical and Priestly Classes were at odds with each other; but rather, a healthy cooperation of both Offices was essential to the spiritual health and welfare of the Nation of Israel. It is an awesome thing for a prophet to bring correction to the House of God. Each time the prophet is called upon to correct or reprove, such a task ought to call forth a deep searching of one’s own-self (heart) in repentance and humility, before ever confronting anyone with the Word of the Lord! The “heart check” should be an everyday practice for true prophets! It is the prophet’s own task to give the Holy Spirit every opportunity as He sees fit to reprove, with truth delivered in love, even if that truth has to be firm (tough love). Pastoral Care and Prophetic Service at times will be on opposite sides of a matter; causing friction, even possibly conflict between these two classes (the Priest <Pastor> and the Prophet): but a healthy respect for the essential function of the two different offices will enable them to humbly work together as they seek God for direction and instruction in every matter. Involvement and participation and cooperation of both Classes are essential to a healthy cluster!

Now it is very important to understand the recognition and respect that the Prophetical Appointment had for the sacred Office/Function of the Priestly Order. However, there were times when the daily routine of the priesthood itself, would settle down into a less than desirable condition of faith and practice where the interpretation and application of the Law of God would degenerate into a dead form and mere ritual. The Holy Spirit of God would rest upon the prophet and/or prophets to inspire and revive the spirit of the Law, thus the Prophetic Voice was raised in scathing rebuke in order to set back in place that which had fallen out of the way. We usually find that the PROPHETS arose as a REACTION from God to the COURSE and DRIFT of things amongst His people. They challenged and resisted that drift, as their presence in the midst represented God’s mind as against the prevailing course of things. In the Old Testament, the PROPHET usually came into focus or on the scene at a time when things were in a backslidden condition!

Prophetic Work inclusively relates to the ORIGINAL and ULTIMATE PURPOSE of God in and through His People, this being the HEART and/or ESSENCE of Prophetic Work. The Holy Spirit of God is the only one who has the FULL VIEW and DETAILED PLAN of God, and can make everything to be true in “principle” to God’s intention. Everything must leave the earthly and be a heavenly spiritual thing, while still here on earth in relation to Christ in heaven, being the HEAD from whom the whole body is fitly joined together. This is a Divine Law or Principle, which is so clearly revealed to us in the New Testament. His Divine Principles applied according to His Divine Pattern, and His Divine Plan and Purpose. The Will of God, as REVEALED through the WAYS of God: all being found in the Mind of the Spirit, and never violating or deviating from the revelation knowledge of the Son of God. God never intended for you and I to apply His Divine Principles apart from His Divine Purpose, Presence, Provision and Person! The Bible is God’s Divine Pattern for Spiritual Life here and now in the earth; never for one moment did God ever intend for the Church to travel this journey alone. This is why He sent us a HELPER, COMFORTER, an ENABLER, COUNSELOR (Teacher) and FRIEND (the Holy Spirit). One of the biggest problems today in Church’s all across America: is the interpretation and application of Divine Law and/or Divine Principles, by men of CARNAL MINDS, and men of CARNAL INTENT (those that have not died to their own self-centered lives).

Prophetic Work and/or Prophetic Function/Service: is absolutely otherworldly, carrying with it absolutely no price tags! The Prophetic Work is unquestionably controversial and unpardonably hostile, and marches to the beat of another drummer! The Prophetic Unction/Mantle breathes-in the rarefied air of inspiration and illumination, and lives in the heights of God, and comes into the valley below with a Word from the Lord. The Office of Prophecy is forthright and outright, but claims no birthright; and lives in “splendid isolation.” The True Prophet is the villain of today (dishonored when alive) and the hero of tomorrow (honored when dead) whose message is “REPENT” and be reconciled to God. The true prophet will eat the daily bread of affliction while he ministers, but feeds the Bread of Life to those who listen; he announces, pronounces, and denounces; being against the establishment of man made ideas, programs, and goals! His HEART is like a VOLCANO, and his WORDS are as FIRE. He faces God before he faces men, and he is SELF-EFFACING (to eliminate by wearing away the surface: a man that is hard on his own sin/fallen nature; I Cor.9:27). Last but not least the true prophet is naturally sensitive, passionate, purposeful, pugnacious (assertive or combative) and supernaturally spiritual. A man ordained of God but disdained by men!

The Man of God

Lifting Up the Horn

The Hebrew word for “prophet” is a common noun appearing more than three hundred times in the Old Testament. It is applied to a remarkable range of characters and different personalities and temperaments distinct in both quality and varying capacities: from the “true to the “false”, from the relatively primitive to the relatively sophisticated, from the highly visionary to the intensively moral. The eloquence and brilliance of Isaiah, the depth of emotion and melancholy of Jeremiah, or the dramatic and obstinate spirit (stubborn determination) of Ezekiel, or even the volatile (explosive) dynamic temperament of Elijah that stands out in stark contrast to Elisha who was of a more quieter nature. One of the main roles of the prophet was to BEAR GOD’S WORD for the purpose of teaching, reproving, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A PROPHET is first and foremost a PREACHER and TEACHER of the Word of God. They are ambassadors of God to the people, declaring His word, mind, and will to the nation in times of both prosperity and adversity. It was part of their commission to “show” the Israelite’s their transgressions and the House of Jacob their sins (Isa.58:1; Ezek.22:1-2; 43:10-12; Mic.3:8). It was their responsibility to WARN, CORRECT and to DENOUNCE the prevailing sins of the people, threatening them with the terrors of divine judgment and calling them back or directing them toward the Place of Repentance. They also brought forth a message of COMFORT, HOPE and PARDON to a repentant people, those who had been chastened by the Lord (Heb.12:5-17). The PROPHET is a man/person who stands in the Divine Counsels of God, and receiving His message for the time, situation, and generation, even at times reaching far beyond his day.

The PROPHET was a MAN OF GOD: declaring and upholding the ways of God, moral men; a SERVANT OF GOD: a bond-servant, and/or love-slave to the Will of God; an INTERPRETER: “a teacher” interpreting the Law or “Divine Principles” by the Spirit of God; a SEER: because of the many visions, insights, and foresight into the things of the Spirit; a PROPHET: public expounders and preachers of the Word of the Lord, “holy men, SPAKE, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet.1:21). The Prophet was a Preacher of Preachers (Neh.6:7; 2 Pet.2:5) upholding the righteous standards of the Law (truth), holiness (discipline), and the mercy of God (grace), and as well upheld His Divine Sovereignty over people and nations, and reproved (corrected) the sinfulness of men. When the Hebrew people entered into the land of Canaan, many prophets appeared throughout Israel's history to both AID, and to PROTECT the nation. They appeared from all walks of life, and classes of society, possessing one unifying trait: a faithful proclamation of God’s Word/Counsel! The Apostle Paul said, “We preach not ourselves, but Christ, and him crucified” (I Cor.1:1-2; 2 Cor.4:5). The Prophets mentioned in the Bible most likely represent a small portion of the total number of prophets ministering in the Old and New Testaments.

Many times the prophet stood alone (but this does not mean he is alone, or should presume to separate himself from the Body of Christ) and would have to confront face to face and speak to an unsympathetic (unfriendly, disapproving) or even a very antagonistic (oppositional, adversarial, hostile) audience. Great courage and independence of spirit was mandatory! A prophetic appointment was a call to liberty and freedom to be oneself before God and men, being unrestricted, autonomous: not subject to the rule or control of another. This would enabled the prophet to be unaffected by human bias (prejudice, preferences: to like better or best; the act, fact, or principle of giving advantages to some over others) and criticism (strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction). The Call of the prophet required that he not be intimidated or threatened by anyone, yet at the same time remain teachable, able to receive correction (PROPHETS can err, therefore they must be open to correction, by allowing their PROPHESIES to be JUDGED/TESTED; and especially at the developmental levels of the Call of God to Prophetic Service: the need for accountability to other senior Prophets/Leaders <I Cor.14:29-33, 36-40; 2 Pet.3:14-18>). It is important to understand as a New Testament believer, that, we are all a part of a much larger whole, and that no man/person, or “prophet” is an island unto himself. No matter what assignment is given by God, first and foremost we are all members of the same Body of Christ (I Cor.12:12-27, Rom.12:3-10, Eph.4:1-6) and as FREE MEN are to fear God; honor all men, and to love the brotherhood of believers (I Pet.2:15-17). Sociability (to join or to associate with; having companionship with others) is a much needed skill among the New Testament prophets of today, in order to properly accomplish their assignment, as well as demonstrating the LOVE and FELLOWSHIP of God toward His people (I Samuel 10:5).

As in the Old, and New Testament Operation of the Prophetic Gifting, the Prophetic Ministry, and Office of Prophet will differ from person to person in their respective realm and particular assignment or sphere of influence (I Cor.12:4-11, 27-31; Rom.12:6-8; Eph.4:11-13). The “Cluster Anointing” or the “Company of Prophets” though all having been called to the Prophetical Appointment, between them they will manifest great variety of expression according to the varying general & specific differences in prophets and prophetic people having so many different personalities, characteristics, temperament, and different measures of the Gift of Christ (grace given: Eph.4:7). There are prophets raised up to SPEAK TO and to Prayer Prophetically for: nations, cities, and/or kings, and civil governments and leaders; some being assigned to pastors, and/or churches; others yet still given to regions and/or various geographical territories and locations.

True Prophecy will always point to Jesus: His Nature, Deity, Ministry, and Purpose for coming into the world: and with the regeneration and maturation of a people as the Bride, and His Return to the earth as the Bridegroom. The True NATURE of the True PROPHET will always reflect the very heart, character, purpose, and appointment of the Lord Jesus Christ! By understanding the true NATURE and PURPOSE for the Prophetic Gifting, Prophetic Ministry, Prophetic Office and the overall Prophetical Work: we at once see the importance of the preparation of the vessel called to Prophetic Service! The focus of the Prophetical Work is primarily concerned with the vital function or role of the Operation of Prophecy, not the MAN, or even with the OFFICE he will OCCUPY. True prophets should never hold a title or position and begin to advertise themselves as God’s man or the man of God; but with the need for the absolute identification of the vessel with the vessel’s work! John the Baptist was a PROPHET of God, yet he did not identify himself with any flattering titles, or any exalted position, or with any official office; but rather, only with that which pertained to prophetic function: “a voice of one crying in the wilderness” (Matt.11:7-15; Mark 9:11-13; John 1:19-23). True Prophetic Service exalts Jesus, not the one prophesying! True Prophetic Service will never attract attention to men, or elevate “exalt” man or make man the center or focus, but always bring glory to Jesus! The Apostle John said, “Beloved (speaking to the Body of Christ as a whole) “Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, to see whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (I John 4:1; Acts 20:28-31).

The fruit of the Spirit is merely the CHARACTER of the Son of God living in the HEART/life of the man/person or believer and/or prophet called to prophetic service (Gal.5:18-26). The prophet of God will not bear the FRUIT of the Spirit without first having a relationship with the Son of God. Character is what we do, when no one else is looking! The recognition of True Prophets will always be by their FRUITS (Matt.7:15-23). A True Prophet will always have the Spirit of Christ operating in and through his life <character>, and his ministry <service>. The true nature and core motivation of false prophets are revealed at some point by their fruits though clothed in sheep’s clothing, they are very ambitious, self-promoting, full of envy and greed, desirous of vain glory, and never satisfied because of their insatiable appetite (incapable of being satisfied; quenchless: unending hunger and thirst for more of the things of this world and the flesh).

Prophetic Function/Work is not something that a man can arbitrarily take up and labor in! The identification of the vessel with his/her call and appointment, with the necessary preparation before service is the very heart and center of Divine Thought, and Divine Design. The VESSEL himself must become the MINISTRY, and you cannot, and must not divide between the MAN <his character> and the MESSAGE <his service>! In other words, if the message is on, but the man is off: He is a false Prophet (being a false prophet has less to do with a faulty message (even though this is true in part): this could simply be immaturity or because of one’s doctrinal background which needs to continually evolve (consistently in subjection to correction and instruction) and grow: expand. It is possible for a true prophet to prophesy falsely (make mistakes) even to act or behave falsely or out of order (at times, contrary to the Nature of God); this again points more to a lack of spiritual development and a need for greater growth in their understanding of the Things of God. But a false prophet has more to do with their true spiritual condition (the true motivation of the heart), the prophet’s hidden inner-man of the heart. One of the best examples in scripture to this very fact is found in the Old Testament where the life and ministry of the prophet Balaam illustrates accurate service; but inaccurate motivation. A true prophet may be pure in heart; but nevertheless still capable of error. But the false prophet could be both impure and yet still 100% accurate all at the same time).

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