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Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. I Corinthians 11:4
Beginning in the Old Testament, we want to take a brief look at the prophet and prophesying. We are mostly going to focus on the true prophet who prophesied to God's people. There have always been false prophets who have given messages that weren't true. "If a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him," Deuteronomy 18:22. This was the mark (sign) of a false prophet, if his message did not come to pass. If we as Christians, would apply this truth today, we would save ourselves a lot of stress and anxiety.
So how do we apply this truth and save ourselves unnecessary headaches? The next time you hear someone make a prediction, or tell future events, if it doesn't come true (come to pass), you know that person is a false prophet, a liar and a deceiver. Stop listening to them; turn their program off on the radio! It doesn't matter if it is your pastor, someone on the television, or a person writing articles in the local newspaper. Simply label them as false teachers (prophets), and do not trust a word they say. Don't send them any financial support either!
Jeremiah was a good example of a true prophet in the Old Testament time period. It says in II Chronicles 36:12, that he "spoke from the mouth of the Lord." The wicked king Ahab did not like Micaiah the prophet because he was a true prophet and told the truth. Ahab says in I Kings 22:8, "but I hate him (Micaiah), because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil." Ahab was more interested in hearing lies, than what God actually had to say.
Next, we want to consider a prophet and prophesying from the time of the apostles and the early church, up to the fulfillment of the canon of Scripture. This would include I Corinthians 11 and all the New Testament books. In Acts 11:27-30, Agabus prophesied of a famine that would be "through all the world" (Roman Empire); it came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. He was one who spoke for God when he warned the early church of the famine and hardship.
During the time of the early church, there seemed to be a slight change taking place concerning the role of a prophet. Peter says in Acts 2:17, "Your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." There was a strong show of power and miracles that accompanied the forming of the early church. We also see something different; the explaining, expounding, and application of Old Testament Scripture and prophecy. Peter's sermon in Acts 2:14-35 is just one of many examples. In Acts 7-8, Stephen gives a lengthy message which is another good example.
The role or task of the prophet (someone who speaks for God) seems to change after the complete canon of Scripture was given. When the new covenant was put in place, and the early church established, the role of the prophet was to present or expound God's Word to the people, similar to the Old Testament prophet. But God's Word was now complete, there was no new revelation to be given. The presentation of God's Word would now be the making clear of His Word (which was now complete) through the insight and direction of the Holy Spirit.
The Webster's Dictionary of 1828, describes "prophesy" in this way: "to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain the Scriptures or religious subjects; to exhort." This would seem to be the best way to describe the role of the prophet in the times we are now living. Here are a few points for us to remember.
1- The Old Testament prophet was someone who accurately presented God's oracle (message) to His people.
2- In the period of the early church, up to the time of the complete canon of God's Word, the prophet accurately presented God's message. He also began to accurately explain and expound the deep things of God. Acts 18:28, Paul "vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ."
3- Since the Word of God was made complete, the prophet now delivers the truth of God to those around him through the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. John 16:13-14, "when He, the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you into all truth. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is mine, and declare it to you."
In the next article we will continue our study of the Scriptural modern-day prophet in the church today. I hope you will stay with me as we continue to grow together under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Comments or questions, contact me at: thoughtsonword@gmail.com
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