The prophets, apostles, preachers and teachers of the early church did not see their job as making up sermons. They did not sit down on a weeknight to ponder what would be an interesting subject to speak on next Sunday. They proclaimed what they had realized in their experience of the person of Christ. This is the substance of the church's ministry: to hold and manifest the testimony of Jesus (See 1John 1:1-3). For as the apostle John said, "The testimony of Jesus IS the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10). The true ministry of prophecy is to further unveil the glories of Christ.

The Biblical function described as prophecy is to speak for God. This can only occur if a person has an audience with God. Throughout the Scriptures God Himself acknowledges that He has spokespersons who will make Him known. The first person in Scripture that is directly referred to as a prophet was Abraham (Genesis 20:7). God told a heathen ruler, Abimilech, that Abraham was a prophet who could pray for him. Although Abraham never preached a sermon or faced a congregation, he was able to know God well enough to speak to others on His behalf and intercede for them. On three occasions the Scriptures refer to Abraham as God's friend. He developed an intimacy with God over a period of time based on his positive response to revealed truth.

Moses was also called a prophet. He is described as one "whom the LORD knew face to face." (Deuteronomy 34:10). He stood close to the Lord in a posture of humble dependence.

Elijah was another great prophet. He risks his life to declare the word of the Lord to King Ahab, saying, "As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, BEFORE WHOM I STAND." (1King 17). His primary responsibility was to stand in readiness and obedience before God, becoming intimate enough to clearly discern God's will and receive his marching orders.

The prophets were known for their holy life-style. The woman from Shunem says to her husband concerning Elisha, "I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God." (2Kings 4:9).

The prophets were also known as "Seers". They were given spiritual insight.

The church needs to recognize its prophetic role in society by learning to stand before the Lord, wait upon Him and listen for fresh marching orders. We need to be continually renewed with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ if we are to effectively speak for God. The eyes of our heart's understanding need to be enlightened by a true revelation of Christ (Ephesians 1:17-18).

We need to develop the habit of what A.W. Tozer called 'the inward gaze': "Constantly practice the habit of inwardly gazing upon God. You know that something inside your heart sees God. Even when you are compelled to withdraw your conscious attention in order to engage in earthly affairs, there is within you a secret communion always going on."

Does your life have the prophetic edge? Stand before the Lord in humble dependence. Listen to what God is saying through His Word and by His Spirit. This is what we are to focus upon if we are to be God's spokespersons to our generation.