“And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.” Rev 19:10 NKJV
The Spirit of prophecy is still the testimony of Jesus today. It is necessary that the gift of prophecy function in order that knowledge and understanding be enabled to increase in the body.
There appears to be an idea today that everything that is prophesied must be found in the written Word. But that same Word tells us that if everything Jesus said and taught were to be written, the world itself would be unable to contain the books. John 21:25 NKJV. Prophetic utterance is an extension of the written Word. It is also the word of the Lord, IF it is true prophecy. It can be judged by the Word in the sense that it will never be contrary to anything in it.
This is a sobering thought, and should cause us to us exercise great care in regard to the use of the term prophecy. It is very thin ice we are treading on here. God is merciful. We are blessed to be living on this side of the cross. Old Testament prophets were not given the same latitude that we are given today. Many of us would already have passed on if it were not for this leeway we are given in order that we might learn to prophesy the word of the Lord aright. We must learn how to yield to the Spirit of prophecy if it is to be a pure thing.
This brings us to the subject of what could be termed “canned prophecies, all these articles and prayers that have been given the distinction of being considered to be prophesy. If this truly be the case, every word must be exactly as it came from the “mouth” of the Lord. I have a problem with “canned prophecy.” I have trouble accepting anything as prophecy that did not come forth in a gathering of believers where the gifts of the Spirit are functioning, where the body is gathered to worship the Lord and to edify one another, where God speaks through the mouths of His instrument.
Prophecy is of the utmost importance today. It sheds a light on our pathway and is a lamp unto our feet in these dark days. And it requires that this word of prophecy be spoken through the various members of the body in order that the complete picture may be seen. If I am to see clearly the way in which I should walk, I need the ministry of the members of the body of Christ. Not any one individual has it all. We are an interdependent people.
May God make us one in mind and in spirit, and remove every hindering force from our midst that we may, indeed, see His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen! So be it Lord!