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The Prophetic Word - part 1 of 3 Amplified Bible (unless otherwise specified) The apostle John introduces his final account as“…the Revelation of Jesus Christ [His unveiling of the divine mysteries]” {Rev 1:1} and later states, “…the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” {KJV}. In other words, “…the substance (essence) of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy [the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose..].” {Rev 19:10}. To Moses, the Lord God spoke of the Messianic Prophet to come, and accompanying that word was both the requirement of obedience as well as the promise of judgment for disobedience: “I will raise up for them a prophet (Prophet) from among their brethren like you, and will put My words in his mouth; and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not hearken to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him” {Deut 18:18-19}. Since He Who is the Spirit of Prophecy tabernacles within us, the body of Christ, we must take earnest heed to allow that Living Word to illuminate the darkness surrounding us: “And we have the prophetic word [made] firmer still. You will do well to pay close attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dismal (squalid and dark) place, until the day breaks through [the gloom] and the Morning Star rises (comes into being) in your hearts” {2 Pet 1:19}. In meditating about the true prophetic word, I find the following characteristics worthy of contemplation: 1) It emerges from the place of intimacy. 3) It is an expression of God’s heart, thoughts and will. 4) It is expressed through yielded and willing vessels. 5) It remains true to the written Word of God and the nature of the Holy Spirit. 6) Its content may be reflective, forth-telling, predictive or creative. Reflective prophecy rehearses God’s previous faithfulness or compares current sins with those of previous generations. Forth-telling prophecy focuses on God’s evaluation or explanation of the present, either with encouragement and comfort to remain faithful, or with admonition for repentance. Predictive prophecy points to God’s promises, either of judgment or blessings. “…I have declared things to come to you from of old; before they came to pass I announced them to you… {Isa 48: 5}. Creative prophecy is manifested in God’s appointed timing. “You have heard [these things foretold], now you see this fulfillment… I show you specified new things from this time forth, even hidden things [kept in reserve] which you have not known. They are created now [called into being by the prophetic word] …{ Isa 48:6-7}. 7) It may be expressed through either male or female vessels. Even children may receive and give a prophetic word. 8) It’s purity of rendering is enhanced by the purity of the vessel through whom it is expressed. 9) It carries within itself promise of fulfillment as well as reward for obedience or judgment for disobedience: “…God’s mystery (His secret design, His hidden purpose), as He had announced the glad tidings to His servants the prophets, should be fulfilled (accomplished, completed)” {Rev 10:7}. 10) It may require or be accompanied by symbolic demonstration through the life of the one prophesying. -Ruth French October Newsletter 2004 | Bitter Sweet Waters part 2 | The Fruit part 1 of 3 Pastor's Journal October 2003 | Up the Mountain | Prophetic Word part 1 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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