To Whom Much Is Given, Much is Required
Recently someone called me a prophet. I wasn't sure how to take that, since I have never seen myself as a prophet or function in that gifting. I suppose anyone who studies God's Word and proclaims it's message can be considered a prophet because you are speaking on behalf of God, using His Word. In fact, there are two definitions of a prophet.
1. A prophet is one who speaks, or preaches Gods Word this is called forth-telling
2 A prophet is one who speaks about what will happen, this is called foretelling
In either case, you are speaking God's word. The office of the prophet is always one of correction, so in either of the two definitions, there is always an element of correction. Most people take a prophet to mean one who predicts the future, but most prophetic words spoken today are words that are preached, instructing God's people in how to live out their lives on His behalf. Observation is an important element of a prophets life, being able to discernment the times and speak into the lives of people. Many prophets are speaking today, but little is changing. Change must begin with how people are receiving God's word. The prophet Hosea said this:
Hosea 10:1212 Sow for yourselves righteousness;reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. |
Fallow ground defined: of farmland, plowed and harrowed but left unsown for a period in order to restore its fertility as part of a crop rotation
The seed of God's Word needs a fertile plowed ground in order to take root and grow. The ground in which you plant God's Word is critical for the kind of results that honors God. Jesus told us about the parable of the sower, who sowed the Seed of God's Word in four kinds of soil.
Hard soil: no way for the seed to take root, it is immediately removed by predators
Weedy soil: too many distractions, cares of this world (culture) are too impressive and chokes out anything that might grow and represent God.
Rocky soil: can't grow roots so the pressure of life uproots the godly aspects of God.
Good Soil: ground that is receptive, cultivated and fertile for growing the seed of God's Word in your life.
As we observe the conditions in our world, more people are talking about the uncertain times, the craziness that is happening all over, and a lack of purpose that has permeated so many lives. What should be our course of action be as believers? Care for the soil of your heart.
God has sown into our lives countless seeds of truth, but the end result of His planting will depend on how well it takes root in your heart. The seed doesn't change, it is the same forever, and all it needs is a good environment to take root and grow.
The only way you will survive the uncertain times is to place a foundation of God's Word beneath your feet, and allow it to grow so you become a person who speaks on behalf of God. This can only happen if the soil of your heart will allow the seed to grow deep roots in your heart, and the culture (weeds) doesn't silence you from speaking the truth. Spiritual survival in an age of deception can only happen through God's Word.
Keeping it honest and truthful......K
The late prophet Leonard Ravenhill tells us what is needed in the church today
Larry Kutzler
Reader Comments