Job's Guide - The Prophet

A look at the prophet through the eyes of Job - written by Michael Sawh, originally published here.

The other day, I saw that Job 39 contains a wealth of insights into the 5-fold ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher - everyone is called to operate within these functions at some level of intensity or influence, as the seasons of life turn...I'm starting at the end of the chapter v26-30.

5 of the lessons for prophets can be summarised:

1) seek wisdom and its timing
2) ascend and guard your position
3) abide and depend
4) focus and see the bigger picture
5) grow in grace and be ready for warfare

1) seek wisdom and its timing

verse 26: “Does the hawk fly by your wisdom,
And spread its wings toward the south?"

This verse is a question - prophetic ministry arises from a conversation with heaven, an intimate relationship with God.

The foundation is seeking and listening to the wisdom of God. There is no other way to fly.
The spreading of wings here, speaks to me of the vulnerability required, the beauty of a purpose fulfulled and a constant reaching out to heaven.

Birds know when to head south - prophets are also particularly sensitive to the times and seasons as well as the specific timing to deliver a revelation.

There's something on discernment here, too: discerning between false and true revelation can be like judging between a hawk and an eagle (verse 27), which look similar from afar and to the untrained eye. Keys to discernment: getting closer to Christ and working with the Holy Spirit to improve your vision.

2) ascend and guard your position

verse 27: Does the eagle mount up at your command,
And make its nest on high?"

Worship is key to the prophetic, being inspired and enpowered by the Holy Spirit to rise and encounter the living God.

Prophets need to be diligent in operating from their true position "seated in heavenly places" (ephesians 2:6), ie making your nest on high.

3) abide and depend

verse 28: On the rock it dwells and resides,
On the crag of the rock and the stronghold."

On the rock speaks to me of the centrality of the Word, the unchanging ground and infallible plumbline to test truth.
On the crag suggests to me the necessity of taking risks as well a firm revelation of security within Christ.

4) focus and see the bigger picture

verse 29: From there it spies out the prey;
Its eyes observe from afar.

Being seated in heavenly places gives the proper perspective, both to focus on what's specifically important and the broader picture.

Prophets are given insights into people, events, strategies and opportunities which can enable the Bride to become more beautiful, fruitful and effective.

5) grow in grace and be ready for warfare

verse 30 Its young ones suck up blood;
And where the slain are, there it is.”

"Young ones suck up blood" speaks to me of the mistakes related to growing in the prophetic often requiring much forgiveness!
Prophetic ministry should naturally minister and multiply grace.

"And where the slain are, there it is” reminds me that a prophetic life is one of spiritual warfare. Prophets are sent to speak life where death holds sway, to be vessels of water in the desert, to build amidst the ruins, to bringing blessing to widows and orphans, to encourage the weak and defeated, to warn the proud and indifferent...

good sesh, now for a cup of tea :)