2 Chronicles 36:15 15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: 16 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. (KJV)
A prophet of God is neither appointed by man nor can man impart the prophetic gift to another man. God does use his prophets to confirm and anoint one who is called to be a prophet from God, but this does not come from the prophet's will or gifting. A good example of this is when Elijah was told by God to anoint Elisha. God did not ask for Elijah's input or opinion for God already had called Elisha. God commanded Elijah to confirm that calling and appointment. So any person who claims to be a prophet of God and says that they are gifted by God to impart the prophetic gifting to people at will, or can release people's prophetic gifting, that person is a liar and deceived.
Some might believe that Elijah released and imparted the prophetic mantle to Elisha when he was taken up to heaven. But what happened was that God was doing a changing of the guard which He already appointed ahead of time. What Elijah did was tell Elisha the conditions in which he would receive the double-portion anointing.
Many so called prophets of God today are promoting themselves as having these so-called abilities. Even though some of them could be gifted with a prophetic gifting they can pervert it as in the case of Balaam the prophet who spoke accurate words from God, yet was full of greed and disobedience. God has true prophets today and like the prophets of the bible times these men and women are not self-promoting or promoting a so-called special gift. Instead, these true messengers carry the message of hope, the glory of God through Jesus Christ, repentance, encouragement, restoration, and yes, even the judgment of the world. In Christ's own words he said, "I shall draw all men onto me." Not upon the latest prophet or ministry but onto Him.
A true prophet of Jesus Christ should be no more than a sign post for travelers on their way to their destination. For example, if you and your family were on your way to the beach for a wonderful day and on this day you were going to meet up with your best friends and relatives but you became lost, you would pray to God for a sign to help you find your way. The sign would represent the prophet who could help point out the right direction and confirm your original directions that you have already gotten. And as much as you would and should be grateful for this sign (prophet) that God has given you, you would be foolish to stop off at that point and unpack your family and food. The sign was given to bring you closer to your destiny, but it is not your destiny. It is the Promise Land that we want to arrive to in power. Let us not stop at the reminders that point to this land, but instead let us use these reminders to take us to the goal.
God's true prophets today will struggle with thinking at times that they are crazy, because deep in their hearts they know they must say what God has given them and at the same time they also know that this will bring great hatred and resentment towards them. God's true prophets die daily by knowing it is the words from their own lips that are sentencing them to a life of abuse and disdain--except for the support from a few faithful companions that God mercifully sends their way to aid them in their call and vision.
The other struggles and attacks come from within which very few of God's messengers speak openly about because they feel at times like how can I be God's spokesman when I feel so intimidated and weak? Surely if I were a true prophet of God I would not question so much the words I speak or the calling on my life? The good news is that every prophet of the bible also felt this way. It is the mark of a true prophet.
One day Elijah called down fire from heaven and boldly mocked the false god Baal. Soon after he was running from Jezebel in fear and complaining to God that he is the only one left .
The apostle Paul wrote by the power of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:37 "We are more than conquerers." And elsewhere he says in 1 Corinthians 4:13." Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world"(NIV). Oh how the true prophet of today can relate to this paradox . How at the same time one can be "more than a conquerer" and "the scum of the earth" . It is a true gift of humility that God puts upon His own so that pride shall not over take us . For in our weakness God's strength is made perfect!
There are many other great examples from the bible that confirm a true prophet is not one who is always so full of boldness and confidence that they never question themselves or doubt their calling, but nevertheless despite all of the true prophets fears, feelings and doubts he is not able to change his calling or vision. That is because the vision and calling is greater than the prophet. The prophet who claims or portrays himself to never have these fears, feelings and doubts may very well be a prophet of God, but not like any of the prophets of the bible who forged the way for us. So we have a great example of history in the bible of what a true prophet is and is not, as well as how they felt about being chosen of God to carry His messsage.
As Jeremiah spoke so boldly in 20:8-9 "For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak anymore in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." (KJV)
So be of good cheer true prophet! For although you die daily the message in you never will! And once you fall asleep in the Lord, you shall have the fullness of that message face to face and surely a crown of righteousness shall be yours.
Wheat Basket
My Commentary Matt 25
These are Mine
Awake, Armo,r & Marching