Corralling In The Lone Ranger Prophets and Other Instances Of Misunderstanding Regarding the Prophetic Realm
In 1,000 words or less (749) - Saying what needs to be said.
Lone Ranger prophets, wounded prophets, embittered prophets, angry prophets, immature prophets, cave-dwelling prophets, self-appointed prophets, social media prophets, and finally, false prophets, I’m sure we’ve all seen more than we care to see. And this is why many question the need for prophets or even their existence in the body of Christ today. But part of the reality of all of the above is that prophets and the prophetic have been abused, misused, misunderstood and mishandled. On both sides of the fence.
I'll start with “misuse.” Many come seeking prophetic words as if they were a never-ending supply of cookies being dispensed from a heavenly cookie jar, with a “what sweet word is there for me today?” attitude. This is not honoring to the purposes of the prophetic, nor to the one releasing the word, whether they are a prophet or one operating in the gift of prophecy, nor to the One who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Because these things are not meant to be “transactional.” The Father doesn't want a transaction with His children, He wants relationship. Everything is meant to flow from relationship. The model is the same for us.
And this model is equally important regarding His mouthpieces. They are gifts to the body of Christ and they’re meant to be valued in the context of relationship, not according to the measure or value of the words they speak. They’re being misused when the word they carry is valued more than their actual “being.” This is why many prophets end up feeling burned out after the initial exhilaration of it all when they’re first discovering and developing who they are. There continued expectation for them to release a word “always available and always on tap” isn’t healthy for them or those who make such requests. Sometimes they just want to go hiking with a friend. Sometimes they need to be the receivers and sometimes they simply need rejuvenated.
And many don’t realize that the main “job” of a prophet is not to dispense prophetic words, but to equip the saints for the work of the ministry; particularly to equip the saints to hear from God for themselves. Because it's best when everyone learns to shoulder the responsibility of learning to hear from God for themselves. In many cases, it simply takes the obedience of time spent with God. At any rate, this is one aspect of coming to maturity in Christ. We start as babes, as lambs, but we cannot remain there; we must grow to become those who hear the voice of The Shepherd. He’s always speaking and He speaks in a multiplicity of ways for those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to discern.
In addition, there are those commonly mistaken as prophets, by themselves and others, because they give prophetic words prolifically. However, they’re operating in the gift of prophecy (Romans 12:6) they are not called as prophets. Their words may be highly accurate, but their words won't carry the same level of authority as the words of a called prophet, even when such a prophet is NOT prophesying. Because when you hear a prophet speak, whether through teaching, preaching, praying, words of wisdom or words of knowledge, or the general wisdom they dispense, you'll feel the weight of their words. Their words are strong. They hit harder and they go deeper. Which is why a true prophet must take great care regarding the words they speak. And this is the distorted view many have of who is a prophet and who is not.
And finally - you want a word from a prophet? You might want to prepare yourself. Because the words of a prophet will go beyond the “lift up, build up, and cheer up” words of encouragement and exhortation given through the gift of prophecy. The piercing words of a new testament prophet will also bring correction and they won't mince words unless they're a strong mercy prophet or a prophet who's been matured and tempered to reflect the Father's heart of love even in the midst of strong correction.
At any rate, these are but a couple of the misuses and misunderstandings of the prophetic realm and its protocol. Keep in mind that all may prophesy and all are encouraged to prophesy, and it’s through the increased understanding of these things the Bride of Christ continues to make herself ready. These are exciting times to be alive.
Thank you Yvonne! Tough hard-hitting subject! Write pray and speak my sister!
I have been told I am a prophet because I spoke boldly for 2 years (out of deep pain and God showing me the devastation of sin). I said some things I NEVER would have said let alone thought on my own , that felt so harsh but were meant to wake people up. I apologized for the hurt it caused them. But I still was exiled and shunned.