8 Tips to Recognise a True Prophet
Camel hair clothing is far more dignified these days, while locust and wild honey diets are beyond rare. These ancient cues to a prophet aren't seen in the 21st century.
So, how do you recognise a true prophet?
- See (if you can) where they stand in church. You probably won't see his position/place in church, until he speaks in a power summoning, a roof-raising authority that pulpits and congregations are unaccustomed to and flee from. He may well not be welcome in the pew let alone the pulpit.
- See the clothes they wear. He will wear the undergarment of sackcloth and ashes below a mantle of religious disapproval. His cloak is humility. He wears no fine suit.
- Listen to the judgements about spoken them. A prophet is baptised in rejection and anointed in slander. Ill-belief and false belief has been the scouring of his days, but the strengthening of his soul.
- Listen to their words. Unheard of tender wisdom will echo within their sentences. It will be a Spirit-led truth that flows past the lips. His spirit will speak to yours, for truth does this. It contains no self-promotion, or dilution, jettisoning and contradiction of Holy Scripture. Measure a prophet's words as the Lord does, for righteousness is the Divine plumb line. He leads people to Jesus not himself, and without charge. It is a knee-bending truth you will recognise.
But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognised as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true. (Jeremiah 28:9)
- See where they live. He is hidden beside a creek, in a cave, atop a mountain or dwells with an unseen dying widow. He is awkward in fine hotels and knows no mansions. He is often withdrawn - usually seeking God's presence and voice. They can be solitary souls, at deep peace in their own company.
- Read their business card. He won't be a man of letters or of charisma lest any man bow to him. (God will share His glory with none.)
- Consider their attitudes. He won't be a man that carries a bearing to commend himself. His chest is never thrust forward. It is the Lord's recognition alone he lives for, that audience of one. A prophet's care is only for what is spoken of him in heaven. He has refused to march with the voice of man, be drawn by the magnets of religion or craft the idols of scholarship.
- Audit their voice. If the voice exalts the person delivering it, we know that's not God because the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 19:10). If the word causes strong confusion, we know that's not of God because God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). (Jennifer LeClaire) A prophetic anointing is filled with hope and redemption because true prophetic ministry releases the heart of the Father - (Ryan LeStrange). They frequently ask difficult and pointed questions. (Chris Bennett)
Prophets are hard to see but easy hear, then you will know you have seen one too. You will grasp that you have been in the presence of a man who is familiar with the presence of the Lord.
God forges prophets in the wilderness for it is His anvil to make them strong.
His words will carry the power his heritage, his address, his education, his bank balance or his appearance never can.
Today's Soul Snippet:
"Prophets are God's emergency men for crisis hours." ~ Leonard Ravenhill
ENJOY - A Prophet's Heartbeat
Love this SoulSnack - PLEASE don't keep it to yourself? Would you like to subscribe for free SoulSnacks either weekly or each workday?
READ MUCH MORE PROPHECY ABOUT GOD'S ACTIVITY TODAY in "GREAT MERCY"