How to Stay Above Deception Part 25

The Prophetic Ministry

By Apostle Felix

Or did you encounter a true prophet out in the lonely wilderness? Yes, John was a prophet like those of the past, but he is even more than that! He was the fulfillment of this Scripture: See, I am sending my prophetic messenger who will go ahead of me and prepare hearts to receive me. Matthew 11: 9, 10

Who is a Prophet?

The answer to this question will be of much help to understanding the prophetic ministry. The nature and role of the prophetic ministry is plain in the scriptures. What is the cutting edge of the prophet’s ministry? Is it seeing people’s under wears in the church services? Is a prophet called by God to be calling out people’s names and addresses in church? Is that what describes a prophet? Modern day prophets are known by the ability to call out people’s names, telephone numbers, bank accounts and home addresses. Church services have been turned into houses where people’s house addresses and names are revealed. People are patronizing this places so that a prophet can locate them and be able to identify their problems. Who really is a prophet and what is his role in the body of Christ?

John the baptist was a forerunner of the Messiah. He came to prepare the way of the Lord, or rather to announce the Christ. He was the one who introduced Christ to the masses, when he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,’ John 1: 29. His ministry was long prophesied as one who will come and announce the Christ. He was affirmed by Jesus as a prophet and more than a prophet of those before him. This recognition and affirmation amazed the masses because Jesus just made John greater than all the prophets that ever walked the earth. He actually affirmed John, the baptist’s greatness in Matthew 11: 11.

“For I tell you the truth, throughout history there has never been a man who surpasses John the Baptizer. Yet the least of those who now experience heaven’s kingdom realm will become even greater than he. Matthew 11: 11

Why did Jesus regard John, the baptist so highly? The reason is simple. John the baptist was the last prophet of the Old Testament, and the only prophet of the Old Testament that saw Jesus Christ in the flesh. All the Old Testament prophets prophesied the coming of the Lord and were longing to have a glimpse into what they were prophesying. But John, the baptist not only had a glimpse but saw the Messiah, baptized and introduced Him. His greatness was not predicated on his ability to call out people’s house numbers, names and bank accounts. But on his ability to witness and announce the Christ. He witnessed Christ receiving the Holy Spirit at river Jordan.

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. John 1: 32 – 34

Jesus made a very profound statement that need to be commented on, when He said, ‘The least in the kingdom of God is greater than John, the baptist.’ One born of God and a citizen of the kingdom of God is greater than John the baptist. If you are greater than John, who was greater than Moses and Elijah, why do you then want to consult a prophet who is imitating Elijah. The New Testament prophets point people to Christ and help them to know Christ. No prophet has been called to wow the children of God. The calling is to reveal Christ only! New testament prophets are not there to direct believers and giving details about people’s lives. John the baptist described the condition of people’s hearts and then directed them to Christ. That’s how the prophetic ministry functions!