“Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 (NLT)
Did you get that? When we believe in God’s prophets, we will succeed! God’s prophetic voice speaks for Him. And there is a reason we are told not to despise prophecy (1 Thessalonians 5:20 – KJV). Many translations warn us not to scoff at prophecy (NLT) or treat it with contempt (NIV). God’s words can be challenging in content, even in deliverance. If we’re not careful prophecy is easily despised! We are called to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding or perspectives (Proverbs 3:5). And that’s why we are told not to despise it! God says that He does nothing, you get that, NOTHING, without first telling His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).
We are told to believe the prophets, and when we do there is a promise. Prophets are a necessary part of the church! But why is the prophetic ministry minimized or assigned a place in the basement of a church’s life? As a result, we are in an epic battle today with our eyes closed!
The Apostle Paul said that apostles and prophets are the foundation of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19-20). Foundations play a important role in the structure that is built upon them! The Apostle Paul also said that God has set apostles and prophets as first priority (1 Corinthians 12:28). This priority is still meant to be a priority!
Folks, prophecy has NOT passed away as some would have you think! Prophecy is meant be a part of the church. Without prophets the church is operating blindly. The Church is more than a place of worship and teaching. The prophetic is necessary! In fact, if great anointed teaching and preaching was going to bring revival, advancement to the church, and change the world, it would have already done so. We have been blessed by some incredibly anointed preachers and teachers in our day. But apostles and prophets are necessary for the church, that is the people of God, to be fully equipped (Ephesians 4:11-13) and come to our place of maturity. We have not reached that yet! And get this, the gifts of the Spirit include prophecy, miracles and tongues. This what the Word says (1 Corinthians 12:9)! If so, where are they being displayed in the church today? Where are they in your local church?
Some say that prophecy has ceased because the perfect has come. The reality is the perfect has not yet come, and when He does, prophecy and such will pass away. Now we see through a glass dimly. Now we only know in part and thus prophesy in part. Then we will see clearly, even face to face with Jesus! We will know fully and will be fully known (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). The Bible is not what is being referred here as the perfect. That which is perfect is found in heaven, and His name is Jesus! The bottom line is, we won’t need prophecy, tongues, and miracles there. But we do need them here in earth in this hour!
Cry out for God to forgive you of any place you have despised, scoff at or held prophetic words with contempt. Declare that you trust in God and in the word of His prophets. Thank Him for speaking today, and allowing His voice to be heard in this hour. Ask Him to bless His prophetic voice in the church, starting with yours, and to allow it to be re-established to the place the Jesus has intended them to be!
