5 Smooth Stones

The young man’s disobedience was not a willful disobedience, such as Adam who willingly sinned, but such as Eve who was deceived. In the end he received honor because of his true ministry and true prophecy (2 Kings 23:17,18) but had he judged the other prophet by his fruit and remained on course for the training that the Lord had for him he would not have died prematurely. This young man of God had powerful gifting and a great calling. Had he discerned the bad fruit of the old prophet and continued on in obedience, it is probable that he would have been known as one of the sons of the prophet and eventually a prophet. The sons of the prophets were those who were called to prophetic ministry, who submi tt ed themselves to a proven prophetic leader for instruction and equipping. This began with Samuel with his school of the prophets, and continued on through the years through other prophetic ministries such as Elijah and Elisha. When the people heard of Saul prophesying with the company of prophets they asked, "But who is their father?" (1 Samuel 10:12), wanting to know if they were legitimately recognized and in relationship as prophets. The of sons of the prophet were used in many ways to bring the word of the Lord to the people of God, to kings and those in authority. In a time when not all of God’s people had the spirit of God upon them the prophetic ministry was of paramount importance in providing the people of God with the word of the Lord. The beauty of the training which the sons of the prophet received, which moved them into the ministry of the prophet, is the mentoring and expansion of the gifts which became available by the fellowship of those called to prophetic ministry. Prophets are servants to God and to mankind, but gifting does not ensure character. The gifts are received by faith, but fruit comes through character. Fruit is drawn out through service to others, by building upon the character of a believer, represented by the description “man of God.” Using the relationship, discipleship and covering indicated through the description “son of the prophet,” a company of prophets was raised up and provided to the people of God which brought a multiplication of the bene fi t of the true ministry. Jesus said, “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward.” (Ma tt hew 10:41a). Receiving the reward of prophetic ministry is a powerful blessing when it is accepted. In days gone by the ministry was honored and not profaned. Keep in mind the ministry of a prophet can be profaned by those who will not receive it and also by those called to it who act prematurely because they have neglected the 78