The Prophets

"Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets."
Amos 3:7

In the time in which Amos lived, there was only one way that God's voice was heard. He spoke directly to the prophets who then delivered the message to the kings and peoples of different nations. Although God did speak directly to kings (most notably, David), the primary delivery method was through the prophets that God had called and placed in strategic locations. Today, we are all capable of hearing God's voice because of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Yet even today, the prophets of God are still alive and active. The words written by Amos are still true. God does reveal his plans to today's prophets.
    I watch very little Christian television and intentionally do not read a lot of Christian books. Sometimes people will either recommend or give me a book, but I do not actively seek what others are saying. Yet when I happen across a Christian television speaker, or read a portion of a book that has been given to me, I am often amazed that the themes follow exactly what I have been receiving from the Lord on a personal level. We cannot escape the will of God. The future is going to happen exactly as God has already ordained. But he still reveals pieces of the plan to his prophets.
    Prophetic influence in the church is vital. It is often the prophetic revelation that brings great hope. The prophetic words of God are life-giving. There have been many times when I have received a revelation spoken by someone who may not have even known they were speaking to my heart. But God placed those words deep in me and I have seen the fulfillment of some.The Holy Spirit is always faithful to bring them back to my attention at exactly the right time. We need to embrace the prophetic. God is at work there. The influence brought to the church through the prophets cannot be found anywhere else. There is of course, a balance here. We need strong Biblical teaching. We need those who shepherd the churches. We need those who carry the message of Christ to the ends of the earth. But if we forget about his servants the prophets, we miss out on blessings and insights that God longs to give us.
    There is a prophetic anointing that is alive and well in the church today. Some of the most incredible prophets I have ever seen are the most humble, simple, and non assuming people. They are strategically placed and many are waiting to be used. Let us never give up on the prophets. Let us never stop desiring the prophetic message. Let us never stop allowing the voice of God to be revealed in this precious way. The prophets were alive and well in the Old Testament times. They were alive and well in the early days of the church throughout the New Testament, and they are alive and well today. Let's open up our lives and churches to the blessing of the prophetic voice!