Your Sons & Daughters Shall Prophesy - Prophetic Gifts Today In The New Testament Church

Mind: How Did Prophecy Come to a Prophet?

act of confirmation) on the bewildered old man.Finally, when John was born, the elderly priest gushed forth joyfully with one of Scripture's most powerful prophecies (Luke 1:67-79). John "grew up and became strong in spirit.Then he lived out in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel" (Luke 1:80, NLT). Possibly John knew from his parents about his calling, but this alone did not and could not make him a prophet; he needed the divine call.And it happened."The word of God came to John ...in the wilderness." We moderns, like news reporters clamoring for a story, are impatient with such a simple explanation.What was John feeling? Silence. What did God say? Silence. What were the details of this calling? Silence. The record says simply that the word came. The story of the boy Samuel is significant.It shows the bypassing of the old priest set in his ways and sins, indicating that a prophet must have a fresh heart for God and His ways.The boy Samuel was unencumbered with distractions.John the Baptist, living a simple, nomadic life, also had this trait.Both heard the voice of God.Probably audible to the natural ear, the "word" could just as easily have been a quiet, powerful voice speaking within the mind and spirit.The bottom line remains: They heard the call and wasted no time in responding. Some other interesting similarities are evident in the lives of Samuel and John: Similarities between Samuel andJohn

• Both had godly, dedicated parents. • Both had parents who prayed for a child.

• An elderly priest and a godly woman were prominent in both stories. • Eli confirmed the mother's prayer; an angel confirmed Zacharias'. • Both men were "life Nazirites," dedicated to God and His will. • Both were raised by a priest. • Both of the priests were judged.

• Both prophets came from humble circumstances. • Both heard and responded to the voice of the Lord. • Both challenged the corrupt priesthood of their day.

• Both were used by God to open a new era of spiritual renewal. • Samuel introduced the first (mortal) king of natural Israel; John the Baptist introduced the first (immortal) king of spiritual Israel. • Samuel anointed David; John baptized Jesus. 87 ■