I have seen a hyper-emphasis in recent years on the restoration of the Prophets among us, though I would beg to ask the question: “Which Prophets do we wish to restore?” One observation I have made as many have begun to argue for the restoration of the prophetic ministry is that many of these relationships between the prophet and his audience focuses solely on prophecies concerning increase, healing, promises of dominion, and a plethora of other favorable foretellings. I am not criticizing any of those things as I myself pray for and seek these benefits as a local pastor. My sincere question is, why does it seem that we only affirm prophetic voices that appear to benefit our own agendas, councils, and administrative pursuits? Why is this important to the discussion of the ministry of a prophet? Because if a prophet is only a mouthpiece for prosperity, should we be questioning the scope of the said individual’s role as a biblically-oriented prophet?
If a prophet is only a mouthpiece for prosperity, should we be questioning the scope of the said individuals role as a biblically-oriented prophet?
The prophet, as far as I understand it from a biblical perspective, is not one who aligns his loyalties to any organization, leader, or nation unless the said organization, leader, or country is within the scope of his assignment. In other words, the prophet is a mouthpiece for God, unafraid to condemn even those serving in the highest positions of human governance (Matt. 14:3). This begs the question: can a true prophet be mired in politics, party lines, or personal kingdoms? My next question, along these lines, is, “Are we open to the Modern Micaiah?”
1 Kings 22:13–14 — 13 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 14 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”
ESV
Are we open to the modern Micaiah?
From my limited vantage point, what I see presented as the prophetic over these last several years seems to focus more on favorable foretellings than “what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” I have yet to hear admonishments, warnings, or foretellings of future events that will challenge or constrain men, churches, or congregations some of these prophetic ministries are being platformed.
One of the most poignant New Testament prophets following the church’s birth was Agabus, who signified by the Spirit that a coming famine would spread worldwide (Acts 11:27-28). The result of this prophecy was the determination of the disciples to raise funds and send them to the area that would likely be hit hardest by the famine, Judaea.
Acts 11:27–29— 27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
KJV
This same Agabus would also prophesy of the dangers that awaited Paul should he go to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:10–11 10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
KJV
Can our Current Environment Make Room for the Prophet?
All this stated, are we as open to the authentic voice of the prophet as we say we are? Are we prepared to be confronted by God’s prophetic word, even if it points the finger at our doings and he declares: “Thus saith the Lord?” I may be wrong, but I am not entirely sure that I see us being positioned in a state of humility and hunger to the point that we are open to the Micaiah, Agabus, or John the Baptist realization of the prophetic ministry.
I personally feel that there are men who walk exclusively in the ministry of a prophet whose voices will not be heard, except by a limited group of people and possibly overseas where Christian-American nationalism and patriotic hubris struggles even to see how third-world countries could harbor ministries greater than those originating from America. That aside, though strong, I also have strong feelings as to the identity of men who genuinely are prophets among us that, due to politics, local church agendas, and/or relational pursuits, will never be sought after and promoted simply because they may not speak that which is favorable to those in attendance.
I ask you, am I wrong? Does this topic beg more earnest study and prayer? Should we be more careful as we seek to restore things that we may not entirely be open to? I know one thing, we are constantly admonished to beware of false apostles and false prophets. In another article, I will present why I believe this plays into some of our reluctance toward identifying men as such. All said, what say you?
Can we sit down and reason together amongst ourselves and have a little more focused talk on this matter? Are we beyond the ability to do this? I pray that we are not.