Raising the Prophetic Standard

Over the past 20 or so years, the Lord has graced us with better understanding of prophetic ministry. We have seen a great restoration of the ministry of the prophet in our day and for that I am totally grateful. Gone are the days where there is no word from heaven and the image of prophets are simply a picture of Moses with a long, grey beard in a flowing robe. I believe that now God wants to raise the prophetic standard in our churches. As with anything that is being restored, there can seem to be an over-emphesis or over use of the subject matter. For example, since God wants to restore the prophetic role in the church, everyone who prophesies thinks they are considered a prophet. Not so. Because you prophesy does not necessarily mean God has called you to be a prophet. However, if you are called to the office of a prophet, then surely you will prophesy. Get it? Good…

But in this hour God is wanting to enhance the QUALITY or the standard of prophetic ministry. As in Jeremiah’s day, there were many prophets that went out into the land. But where did these prophets come from? The school of the prophets established by Samuel had many students “registered”. Many had graduated with their diploma, but many were simply not sent by God. With the popularity of “schools of prophets” today, many people run to these ministries hoping to get their diploma, not realizing that a diploma from a ministry school does little to validate you for true prophetic ministry. Here is what the Lord said of the prophets in Jeremiah’s day:

“But I said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, the prophets keep telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.’ Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. Therefore, this is what the LORD says about the prophets who are prophesying in my name: I did not send them, yet they are saying, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ Those same prophets will perish by sword and famine.” (Jeremiah 14:13-15)

Here are some thoughts about how we can begin to raise the standard of prophetic ministry:

1. All may prophesy, but not all are prophets. We must realize and learn how to identify the difference between someone who is simply prophesying for a word of encouragement and also someone who has a prophetic ministry. One test to see is the measure of authority in which the person speaks. When a prophet prophesies they speak with authority. Sometimes this gets misrepresented as a tone of judgement or harshness. Not so, true prophets speak the word of the Lord as if it’s the very word of God. (1 Peter 4:11)

2. Prophets need to learn patience and hold their tongues. Just because you have received a message from God doesn’t mean you are to speak it forth. You must learn the right timing in which to prophesy. Unless the word is spoken in the right kiros moment, it will likely be trampled on by pigs. Hold the word, pray into it, let it brew, develop and expand and at the right timing deliver it with all boldness and watch the word change the very atmosphere of the gathering.

3. If you have  no prayer life, you are not a prophet. It order to be a voice, you must first hear a voice. “The Lion roars, who can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:8) First the Lion of the Tribe of Judah must roar, those who hear it cannot help but prophesy.

4. Let the prophetic word come sharp and clear. The Spirit doesn’t author confusion, so if you don’t understand the meaning or interpretation of something then it’s possible that you shouldn’t share it. Words without interpretation are not edifying to people. I’m personally tired of hearing about rainbows, clouds, and goofy pictures only to hear the person say “I don’t know what this means” leaving the person receiving the word dumbfounded even the more. I understand there are occasions where the meaning of the vision is not disclosed, but someone else has the interpretation. God is not hiding anything from us, we can always ask for the revelation and interpretation.

Prayer: Father I pray that you will raise up true prophetic voices in this hour. Separate those who are full of hot air and those who carry the wind of your Spirit. We are in need to hear your voice Father. We need true direction and insight. Raise the standard and quality of prophetic ministry I pray. Amen.