GOD, GIVE US PROPHETS!!
Posted by: prophetic <prophetic@...>
-by Paul Holdren.
The simultaneous use of the words "prophet" and "ministry" almost
seem like a veiled attempt to tame the untamable nature of the
prophet. The word "prophet" speaks of unconventional methods
and means. In this context the word "ministry" seems to imply the
use of conventional methods and means.
Prophets are unpredictable, while ministries have become very
predictable. Ministries are typically planned by men, while
prophets are ordered by God. Prophets have thrown themselves
prostrate before God in order to be stood up by God to forever be
set apart for God's purposes.
Prophets hear only from God. Therefore, they can speak for God.
Prophets have been touched by the hand of God. Therefore, they
know the power of God. Prophets have been positioned to see from
God's perspective, observing the world's system as it really is. For
it is corrupt in nature with nothing of eternal value to offer. Prophets
have seen the glory of God. Therefore, they know the call to be holy.
Prophets have trembled before the holiness of God. Therefore, they
will not tremble before men. To revere God is to fear no man - be it
individuals or institutions. Prophets walk differently, as they hear a
heavenly music. Prophets talk differently, as they hear a heavenly
voice. Prophets act differently, as they desire the clear and effective
communication of the word of the Lord.
Peer pressure has no appeal to or influence upon the prophet.
The prophet is more concerned about God's reputation than social
acceptability. Prophets have sacrificially thrown themselves on the
altar of God as an offering. There to be consumed by the fire of God
as a sacrifice and filled with the Spirit of God as a sanctified
vessel. Prophets have been consumed by the Holy in order to be
empowered by the Holy.
The scripture states that Christians are to be "kings and priests"
(Revelation 1:6). However, the contemporary Christian is more like
the traditionalist of Ezekiel's time than like the New Testament
descript. Contemporary Christians tend to be predictable
traditionalists merely tweaking the methods and means that they
have been taught and trained to use. Typically speaking, the
contemporary Christian is too busy to spend time with God in order
to bask in His glorious presence, too busy to study the word of God
in order to know the mind of God, too busy to have altar time with
God to be consumed by holy fire, and too busy running from the
demands of God to be running with God, knowing the miraculous
will of God. Many contemporary Christians lack the vision and
passion to build the Kingdom of God. Rather, they build the
"Chapel of Self".....
Leonard Ravenhill, 20th Century Revivalist - "Oh God send us
prophetic preaching that searches and scorches! Send us a race
of Martyr-preachers - men burdened, bent, bowed and broken
under the vision of impending judgment and the unending hell of
the impenitent..."
"Preachers make pulpits famous; prophets make prisons famous.
May the Lord send us prophets - terrible men, who cry aloud and
spare not, who sprinkle nations with unctionized woes- men too hot
to hold, to hard to be heard, to merciless to spare
"
"We are tired of men in soft raiment and softer in speech who use
rivers of words with but a smidgen of unction. These know more
about competition than consecration, about promotion than prayer.
They substitute propaganda for propagation and care more for their
church's happiness than holiness..." (-From 'Why Revival Tarries').
Ezekiel was the priest who became a prophet. His call from God
to prophetic office is worthy of our examination, as our place in
history cries out that God send prophets. His vantage point as
a prophet is worth taking note of, for the conditions of the nation
require the prophet's insight and perspective. His methods of
communication should be studied, as the world needs to hear
and understand its destitute rebellious nature and the impending
judgment of all unrighteousness. His calling of the nation to
repentance is worth remembering, for it is a fearful thing to not
have grace cover the nation's sin. His promise of restoration is
worth remembering, as it was given by Jehovah the covenant-
keeping God.
-From "The Wedding of Purity and Power" by Paul Holdren.