Fall 1987
The Need for a Prophetic People
Wade E Taylor

"The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back" Isa 50:4-5.

This passage of Scripture gives the key to the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. The "tongue of the learned" that Jesus was given speaks of the "Spirit of prophecy" that was the source of His ministry. He said concerning this, "I do nothing of myself: but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things" John 8:28b.

The Lord will also give this same "Spirit of Prophecy" to us as our equipment for ministry. Jesus said, "The works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" John 14:12b This means that I can receive this prophetic ability, and be available to minister as the Lord directs.

This prophetic state of being transcends the "gift" of prophecy, which moves through us as we "yield" to the Holy Spirit. Having this "tongue of the learned" speaks of "being" prophetic. It moves out of the life experience of the one that is used and is dependant upon their quality of spiritual life.

This prophetic ability requires our being disciplined so we will be able to hold the word that is received, and then deliver it only as He directs. For this received word to accomplish its intended purpose, it must be spoken forth in the right spirit, at the right time, to the right person.

It is very costly to come into this prophetic ministry. It requires the maintenance of a life of holiness and uprightness before the Lord. Along with this, it is necessary to develop a quality devotional relationship with the Lord in order to be sensitive to His voice and presence.

Hours may be spent waiting on the Lord to receive this prophetic anointing, and many early morning risings may seemingly bear no fruit at all, but the continued lifting up of our desire for Him, along with our worship and the obedience of seeking after Him rather than things, will in time bring forth within us an accumulative effect that will surprisingly produce a profound spiritual result. We will become a prophetic vessel that is available to Him.

The Word tells us, "He wakeneth mine ear to hear AS the learned" Isa 50:4. This speaks of Divine knowledge and wisdom that is received by revelation, through the renewing of our mind. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that we may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ" I Cor 2:16.

Thus, this abiding prophetic anointing is not acquired through study or learning. Rather, it is the result of time spent in the presence of the Lord. As we spend time with Him, we become increasingly more like Him and begin to understand His thoughts and desires. "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye" Psalm 32:8.

"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" Rev 19:10b. This "testimony" that the Lord desires to express is imparted within us through our times of communion with Him. As He quickens us, His "testimony" becomes the spirit of prophecy within us. Then it can be expressed through us to whom He wills.

The gift of prophecy operates in an "in part" realm. It is limited only by the extent of our yieldedness to the Holy Spirit, and relates to "doing." In contrast to this, the spirit of prophecy develops within us through our identification with Jesus, and flows out from our "being." It is limited only by the quality of our spiritual life, and relates to what I have become.

In Ephesians 4:12 reference is made to the perfecting of the saints. This word "perfect" means "to be properly equipped". As we grow spiritually, we should expect the development of this prophetic anointing within our being as part of our spiritual life and equipment. If we become proud or puffed up, we will lose the blessing and the reward of this ministry. We must be as John the Baptist who said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" John 3:30.

The operation of this prophetic anointing will result in our strength being drained as spiritual life, healing, and deliverance is imparted through us to others. Thus, there is the need for a constant returning to the source, our Lord Jesus Christ for more of His fullness. We are called to become the channel through which many will be made spiritually rich, but there is a cost for us.

Jesus holds the keys to the Kingdom of God. We hold the key to all of the potential that is locked within our inner being. Unless we are willing to use this key, all that is available beyond that door is inaccessible. As we in obedience open this prophetic door to Him, then we can become as His key, having the right word at the right time, to open doors for others.

"I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it..." Rev 3:8. We can be His key-bearer on the earth today. No longer does the Lord seem satisfied with eloquence in ministry, but rather He greatly desires a prophetic body of people who will dare to believe Him for a creative prophetic Word. Then, they can become the key that will open many doors that are presently closed.

The Lord intends for His people to become a prophetic people. Jesus said concerning this prophetic anointing in His ministry, "I was not rebellious, neither turned away back."

He is looking for a people with this same prophetic determination. Are you willing?