Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1
Dear People Who Keep Company with God,
From the moment I was born again, I have been immersed in and actively engaged in prophetic ministry. Over the years, I have witnessed different seasons and manifestations of the prophetic, deepening my belief in the profound significance of authentic prophetic ministry. As our world is currently engulfed in uncertainty and anxiety, prophecy can be a powerful tool for comforting, encouraging, and exhorting the church (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Notably, among all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the prophetic holds a distinct. Peter explains this in 2 Peter 1:19, portraying the prophetic as “a light that shines in a dark place.” Without this light burning in the church, there is a risk of falling into darkness and being consumed by worldly desires both at an individual and communal level. Through the light of prophetic revelation, God’s will is more easily discerned, and His people prosper. (Proverbs 29:18).
Remarkably, the gift of prophecy is accessible to all (1 Corinthians 14:31). Consequently, we should seek to grow in our prophetic anointing. Enoch is an invaluable source of inspiration and insight on cultivating a prophetic life. Two distinctive aspects of Enoch’s life stand out. Firstly, he walked in close communion with God, and God then took him to his heavenly home. He didn’t die (Genesis 5:24). Enoch enjoyed a unique intimacy with the Lord, especially considering he was the first person in Scripture who walked with God after the fall. If Enoch could have such a relationship with God, then surely, we who follow Christ can do the same. Like Enoch, we can walk with God as close companions, which opens the door for the Lord to reveal His heart to us (John 15:15).
Secondly, Enoch was a prophet with many dreams, visions, and revelations from the Lord. These profound encounters were written down in The Book of Enoch, a three-volume book that is one of the most significant non-canonical books. This book significantly impacted early Christianity, with both Jude and Peter quoting from it (Jude 1:14-16 & 2 Peter 2:4). Many prominent Jewish leaders and early church fathers also held it in high regard. The Book of Enoch introduces several pivotal concepts, including fallen angels, the coming of the Messiah, resurrection, a final judgment, and the idea of a Heavenly Kingdom on Earth. It is a captivating and thought-provoking read.
Several years ago, a prophet in China received a prophetic word alluding to a global financial meltdown in the future. The prophet asked the Lord, “What should I do to prepare for this?” The Lord responded by instructing him to prepare an Enoch Generation – a community of individuals who strongly desire to pursue a deep, intimate relationship with Christ. These individuals will be His cherished remnant saints, spreading Christ’s likeness worldwide, which is the essence of prophetic ministry.
It is beautiful that divine revelations, signs, wonders, healings, and miracles often accompany prophetic ministry. However, the primary objective of prophetic ministry is to spread the love, presence, and power of Christ Jesus. “Worship God! For the substance (essence) of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy” (Revelation 19:10 AMPC).
Many Blessings, BW