Emerging Prophets – Chuck Smith
Emerge is defined by dictionary.com as “to come forth into view or notice, as from concealment or obscurity” and “to come into existence; develop.” When we look at an individual that is emerging, we are referring to someone who has gained characteristics that cause them to come out of concealment and into view. To emerge means to develop, grow, and exist in a realm that you didn’t before.
For the prophet, emerging means that the revelatory relationship that once existed only in the prayer closet is now becoming apparent in a new realm; be it a small group, church, or even to the nations. Emerging is a process. It requires humility, death to self, surrender to God, and knowing the assignment of God for your life. True emergence NEVER comes from self promotion and can never be accomplished by human means.
Psalm 75:6-7 states “6 For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.” Scripture states that emergence can not happen by our own strength nor by the influence of others. It will not happen until God wills it. Self promotion causes people to compromise, and it keeps us at a distance from the favor of God.
Does God Really Want us Lifted Up?
The scripture actually teaches that God wants us in an exalted place. Reading the following scriptures could really disturb those who walk in false humility.
James 4:10 “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up”
1 Peter 5:6 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ”
Proverbs 18:16 “A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men”
It is important to note that authentic humility is required before this lifting up from God. The Bible makes it clear that God wants you in an exalted position. Though it’s a process, God wants to take prophets and graduate them from one level to the next. If you are imparting the right things, He will want to put you in circumstances that will allow you to influence an increasing number of people. God’s intent is not to keep you hidden, He just needs your heart to be right when He reveals what He put in you to the world. He will not share His glory.
Many years ago God made His process of “lifting up” clear to me. He showed me a McDonalds billboard at the entrance to the city I lived in. I heard Him say that no one raises up a sign like that so people can gather around it and say, “Look at how beautiful this sign is!”. There are two purposes for this sign. The first is to make you hungry for McDonalds, and the second is to direct you there. When God lifts us up, He does so for the same purpose. Our lives, gifts, and ministry ought to make people hungry for God and it should direct them to Him.
Yes prophets, God wants to promote you, or to lift you up, but only so people can find Him better, not to make you famous.
Any ministry that causes people to become reliant on it and not the Almighty is a fleshly activity that will never set people free or equip them properly. Yes prophets, God wants to promote you, or to lift you up, but only so people can find Him better, not to make you famous.
Prophetic Rejection.
The Bible also teaches that a man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. This scripture is speaking of having influence and favor as you operate in your prophetic gift.
There was a day that we believed that if a prophet was a true prophet, and a really good one, the church just would not be able to accept him due to his harsh boldness. It was almost as though we used rejection as the barometer of a true prophet, but we are living in a new day. The Bible tells us that the office of prophet is governmental, given to guide the people of God. A rejected prophet cannot operate that way. Today prophets are finding great favor in the church. They are not rejected, but imperative to the building process.
Let me be blunt, if you are a rejected prophet today you are either doing something wrong or you are in the wrong place. Now I do believe that there may be seasons of testing in dealing with rejection, but this should only be a temporary state. If your gift is truly of God and pure it will be in high demand in God’s church.
I proclaim over your life today that you will begin to emerge as the prophet God has called you to be. The more you reflect the Christ, the more He will raise you up before the church and the world. The era of the prophet being rejected by the church is over. Join with apostles and mature prophets and see your gift soar to new heights!