Creation

Day 1 = God spoke and creation came into order.

(The prophet has the highest authority over the poverty spirit, as the prophet carries a God-given capacity to speak order from chaos.)

The Principle

Design. The prophet can see order in God’s Word and in His precepts. They desire to build their life—and the lives of others— around that. The prophet can also see God’s unique calling— His stamp of identity— on another person, often calling it forth.

The Legitimacy Lie

“I can solve my own problem and fix things better than God.”

The prophet feels important— and needed— when fixing broken things (especially people). When unhealthy, they can come across as judgey.

The Enemy’s Tactic

Aramean curse (see Genesis 28-29). Jacob worked 7 years for Laban in exchange for Rachel’s hand in marriage. But, on the wedding night, Laban swapped brides— and Jacob didn’t know until he consummated the marriage. Laban, an Aramean, didn’t trust God to provide a suitable husband for Leah— the older, less attractive daughter. So, he solved the problem in his own strength.

Potential Pitfall

Can be ruled by anger when others don’t fall in line— and can become hyper-critical.

The Cross

Luke 23:34, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they’re doing.”

A prophet’s zeal might cause them to take up a cause against people. Rather, they should tenderly call God to move soon behalf of those people— not merely call people to step towards God.

The Blessings

The prophet Hosea had an unfaithful wife. He had to hold her to God’s standards, yet he did so graciously (see Hosea 2:2-13). In turn, she turned her heart towards him, eventually referred to him with the endearing term “husband” rather than the cultural term “my master” (see Hosea 2:14-16).

The Tabernacle

The brazen altar is the first piece a worshipper would see in the Tabernacle (see Exodus 27:1-8, 38:1-17). This is where God cleared sin, so they could go further in the relationship. This was the starting point to walking in true spiritual depth— not the finish line. In the same way, the prophet brings confession of sin— not condemnation. That is, a prophet points to the sacrifice, not the person’s shortcomings.

The Birthright / Destiny

A prophet’s destiny, that is, their true spiritual DNA, is to help others see their true identity— to see themselves as God sees them. They call forth the Kingdom greatness inside of others, such that it shines forth The church at Ephesus is the example from the Book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:-17). They couldn’t tolerate wickedness, they persevered, and they overcome. However, they were in danger of losing their first love— of becoming more enamored at pointing out shortcomings than staying enraptured by the Savior.

Person to Study

Caleb, Elijah, Ezekiel, Miriam, Peter