THE MINISTRY OF THE PROPHETS (PART TWO)

THE PURPOSE OF PROPHECY

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away”   1 Cor. 13:9-10

Prophecy entails foretelling, it is given so that the body of Christ can envision the future and prepare for it. “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou mightiest war a good warfare”  1 Tim.1:18

Through prophecy, we know the plans God has for us and what we are meant to become. Our God given destiny can be achieved by faith, prayers and perseverance. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”  Jer.1:5

We must note that whenever the plan of God for our lives is made public, the devil tries to counter/ oppose it by creating tragic events that will attempt to frustrate God’s plan. A good example is the event that happened to babies during the birth of Jesus and Moses. Also the prince of Persia withstood the answer to Daniel’s prayer, when it was time for the Jews to be set free. Dan.10:13

The timing of events can also be revealed through it. God had planned that the children of Israel should be in captivity in Egypt for 400 years. Gen.15:13-14. But Pharoah increased the duration by 30 years. “And Pharoah said, who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go” Ex.5:2

Nowadays, we have modern-day Pharoahs. They block people’s progress and prevent them from moving forward. Every affliction is for an appointed time, therefore delays in achieving our goal is not the work of God. These include promotion, advancement, marriage, child-birth, wealth, good health. It takes the Lord’s anointed to break every yoke.

Prophecy is not a guarantee of fulfillment, prophesies can seize “….but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail” 1 Cor.13:8. The following factors can stop the fulfillment of prophesy

1.     Sacrifice: Whenever there is a prophecy over our lives, the sacrifice of our enemy/opponent can stampede the fulfillment of such prophecy.                 2 Kings 3:26-27. But Jesus has paid the ultimate sacrifice; therefore the fulfillment of our prophecy is secured in Him.

2.     Sin: Samson was destined to deliver Israel from the philistines but he died before his time because of sin. And the oppression of the Israelites continued after his death.