What would you say if I told you I’m a prophet?…

You might think a number of things:

1. That I’m claiming to be able to tell your future and/or heal you
2. That I’m liable to declare “Thus saith the Lord!” at anytime
3. That I’m crazy
4. That I’m just lying

To the best of my knowledge I’ve never performed a miracle. I surely don’t consider my words to be God’s direct speaking, and my mental health seems to be doing fine at the moment. According to the New Testament, however, I and so many other Christians are prophets of the most high God!

“For you can all prophesy one by one.” (1 Cor. 14:31, ESV)

What in the world is Paul talking about? Is he saying that all believers can be like Elijah, Jeremiah, or Isaiah?… That’s ludicrous! Be assured that’s not what he’s saying. To prophesy, to be a prophet, is not what most people think.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines “prophecy”:

“the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God… Prophecy is not necessarily, nor even primarily, fore-telling…it is the forth-telling of the will of God, whether with reference to the past, the present, or the future.”

The mind and counsel of God is readily found in His word, the Bible (Acts 20:27, Col. 1:25). Thus, to “forth-tell the will of God,” to prophesy, is just to speak forth His word. Sharing the Scripture makes us New Testament prophets of God!

This may not impress you, but it surely impressed the apostle Paul. It impressed him so much that he charged everyone in Corinth to earnestly desire to prophesy. Why? Christ said that He would build His church (Matt.16:18). What Paul realized is that He practically does this through the many members of His Body, all the believers. 

“…the one who prophesies builds up the church.” (1 Cor. 14:4, ESV) 

Some parting thoughts:

• Why not read the Bible a little more?
• Why not endeavor to speak your appreciation from the Word to others?
• Why don’t most churches give everyone an opportunity to prophesy?