FIVE SMOOTH STONES - The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherds Bag

FIVE SMOOTH STONES — The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherd’s Bag

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 benefit of the true ministry. Jesus said, “ He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward .” (Matthew 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 stages of development. In the Church today we have great need for prophetic ministers who have the character and fruit of a man or woman of God proven in their lives. We have great need for prophetic mentors who will help to train and equip those with prophetic gifting. This also requires the willingness of those with the character and calling to prophetic ministry to submit themselves in a relationship such as that exemplified by the “sons of the prophet” seen in both the Old and New Testaments. Similarly, building upon the concept of the school of the prophets and the fellowship created thereby, there is a possibility of a company of prophets working together for the benefit of all. (1 Samuel 10:10, 1 Samuel 19:20, 1 Corinthians 14:29). Where there are a “company” of prophetic ministers willing to fellowship and work together for the benefit of the Kingdom, righteous judgment will be the result. It is too bad that the perception of the prophetic ministry is one of a loner, but this is generally the view that people have of a prophet. This is

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