The Prophet is the first and oldest establish office by God. Known as the "Seer" Prophets are able to forecast the future. Since the begin of time Prophets have been used to direct guide and inspire the mind of anyone they encounter. Prophets are found in most major religious across the world. A 'prophet/ prophetess' is formally known as honorable man or woman who communicates with and speaks on behalf for the gods. for example "the honorable Elijah Muhammad was a prophet to the Nation of Islam for the god Ali". The Prophetic office was the first establish job or occupation by God. Although it is not spoken much, I believe Adam was the first Prophet, because he communicated with God and received authority to name, proclaim, and decree. (Gen 2:19-20) After Adam you have Noah who built the arc, for the new world. Then you have Abraham & Melchizedek, who we're both Prophets. Melchizedek, was an unknown priest (priest - originally interprets to be Man of God) who blessed Abraham spiritually and naturally causing him to give a tenth of his possessions to the prophet Melchizedek. (Heb 7:6 & Gen 14:18-21) This ultimately births "the giving principle" into existence. Even though it was not law for anyone to give a tenth, Abraham, being a prophet and the future father of the coming nation - commence a practice of reverence by giving up the tenth to Melchizedek.
Over time God then raises up Moses, who is also a prophet, who not only legislate giving but to allow priest or in other words Men of God to feast from that which is given. Moses is an example of the apostolic prophet. He commission the Levites, who are Priest assigned help to the prophet and carry out the duties of perfecting the temple. Aaron, the brother of Moses was selected as the first priest or in other words 'apostle' in the order to govern. When God establish the governing of His people, He started with the prophet who commissioned Aaron the high priest/ apostle to commissioned his son as helper priest/ pastors. (Found in Leviticus chapter 8. Ref. Numbers 3:5-11) In today's modern church have apostles/senior pastor, then executive pastor, worship pastor, youth pastor and so on. This was the foundation laid by the prophet Moses perfect by the Apostles of Jesus who relaunch the government of His church. Apostle was originated in Greek as "apostellein or apostolos" interpreted to mean "one sent out, messenger, or sent forth" When Jesus called the twelve we now know as apostles, they we're first disciple. However, before had been sent out they were taught, and given authority by Jesus who was recognized by many as a prophet; if not the Messiah, thereby giving the disciple the name 'apostle'. (Matthew 10:1) "The student becomes the teacher, but to a new set of students."
Enough About That.
Let me tell you what a Prophet does.
The Old Testament is filled with acts, and sample prophecies from the prophets. Just like the New Testament is filled with act of the Apostles. The problem is we too often forget that the Bible and the foundation of the church was establish by the teaching of the apostles and prophets.
Often times, I am faced with a lot of backlash about receiving money or requiring a donation of prophecies. However, many people are wrongly educated about job of the Prophet. First, we have to express open that the Office of the Prophet, is a legitimate profession/ occupation. The office of the prophet was the first occupation. The Prophet was the first teacher. The school of the prophet's were a group of gifted individuals who sat among each other prophesying and learning about the mysteries of God. In Amos 7:12-14; Amos the prophet is sent to declare a word to Amaziah the priest, but the priest is to happy about the message. Therefore is dismiss Amos by saying “Get out of here, you prophet! Go on back to the land of Judah, and earn your living by prophesying there! Don’t bother us with your prophecies here in Bethel. This is the king’s sanctuary and the national place of worship!” This let us know that prophets are accustom to and known for being feed or earning money by doing God's work, like prophesying. On the contrary notice Amos response "I’m not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I’m just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore-fig trees." Which furthermore confirms that being a prophet is a profession or a trained job that is entitle to compensation. Below are other scripture that validate Men of God, including prophet - receiving financial or material gift for their labor/ gift.
Prophet's Justification Collecting Money
Genesis 14:18-20 - Abraham & Melchizedek
1 Samuel 9:8-10 - Saul & the servant inquires of Samuel
Amos 7:12 - Amaziah cast away Amos
1 Corinthians 9:11-13 - Those who serve the gospel
1 Timothy 5:17 - Elders in the Church
Hebrew 7:5-7 - law permits Levites collect a tenth
Much of the misconception around the prophetic office comes from people who have been wrongly educated about the duties, responsibilities and role of the Prophet. Due to conflicts with a prophets, many people lack confidence in the existence or credibility of a prophet. The job of a prophet is not easy nor is it always liked depending on which side of the law you're on. When a prophet is blessing and appointing, he is usually liked and praised. On the other hand when he curses or reproves, their often times discredited or assumed to be bad people. Nevertheless, God shall declare that prosperity and success is found in obedience to the prophet. (2 Chronicle 20:20) How you response to a prophet determine the value they can bring to your life.
Mastering the duties and responsibilities of the Prophet rely greatly on the operation of gifts of the Holy Spirit. Such as Discernment, Prophecy, Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, Working of Miracles, Healing, and in occasion faith. Although the power gifts as very active for the prophet, it is the importation of authority that validates a prophet. When Jesus released the Holy Spirit, to all was given power, but not all was given authority. God, the father authorized the prophet to speak, decree and manifest by His authority. Jesus, the Prophet authorized or gave authority to the Apostle. What separate a True Prophet/Apostle from a false prophet/apostle is "If they have authority & who gave them authorization? " Prophet's have the authorize of God.
What A Prophet Can Do???
Tell what will happen in the future: 1 Samuel 10:1-6; Isaiah 52:13- 53:12; Matthew 24:2; Acts 11:28, 21:11
Tell what happen in past events: Judges 6:7-10; 2 Samuel 12:7 and 8; Ezekiel 20:1-31; John 4:18.
Ability to retrieve secrets & mysteries: 2 Kings 6:9-12; Amos 3:7; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 33:3
Strengthen (“edification” KJV): 2 Samuel 7:8-12; Haggai 2:1-5
Exhort: 2 Chronicles 15:1-7; Isaiah 35:1-4; Haggai 1:3-12
Comfort: 1 Samuel 9:20; 2 Chronicles 20:15-17; Jeremiah 45:1-5
Bless: Genesis 48:20; Deuteronomy 33:1; Joshua 14:13
Curse: Joshua 8:26, 9:22 and 23; 2 Kings 2:24; Jeremiah 48:10
Call out/ Appoint kings, authorities and ministries: 1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13; 1 Kings 11:29-39, 19:15-19; 2 Kings 9:1-13
Reprove (sometimes harshly): 2 Samuel 12:1-14; Isaiah 22:15-25; Jeremiah 36:30 and 31; Malachi 2:3; Matthew 16:23, 23:12-36
Foretell death or disaster: 1 Samuel 2:27-36; 1 Kings 13:20-24, 22:17-37; Jeremiah 28:16, 29:21; Amos 7:14-17
Direct: Judges 4:4-6; 2 Kings 4:1-7, 5:10, 6:8-10; Jeremiah 32:13-15
Name (showing God’s opinion): 2 Samuel 12:25; Jeremiah 20:3
Reveal character and what is in a person’s heart: Isaiah 9:9 and 17, 29:13, 48:4; Jeremiah 2:21, 5:23; Ezekiel 14:2-4; John 1:47
Interpret enigmas: Daniel 5:5-29
Reveal what is going on from a spiritual perspective: 1 Chronicles 5:20; Jeremiah 1:16; Ezekiel 5:11; Daniel 9:11; John 8:42-47
Can have messages for individuals: 1 Samuel 10:1-6,
Can prophesy to groups: 2 Kings 3:12-19,
Prophesy for entire nations: Amos 1:11-2:16
Have given prophecies to people about a third party: 1 Kings 14:7; 2 Kings 1:3
May deliver the message themselves, or through others: 2 Kings 5:10, 9:1
May interpret other people’s dreams: Genesis 40:8-22, 41:15-28; Daniel 2:1-45, 4:4-37 (or their own as in Daniel 7)
Might not get a revelation about a situation immediately: Jeremiah 28:5-17 (especially verse 11), 42:7
Might I Suggest You Need A Prophet!
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