Learning from the Ancients

We've covered quite a bit in the scriptures concerning the writing prophets so far. If you listened to the teachings on Samuel, Nathan & Gad, then you already know that their "scribal realm was vast and broad."

While the focus was on them specifically in that teaching, we can see that a tremendous amount of information on their activities and duties "beyond" prophesying and writing down prophetic messages.

This is important for one primary reasons: You need to know that there is more to your calling than you may have imagined.

1 Corinthians 12:27-28 gives us a few clues about this. Before we jump into that passage, however, it is critical that WE AGREE that the Ephesians 4:11 giftings and callings were set aside for work inside a physical ecclesia or congregation. Many prophets today do not like to here this, but it is straight from the scripture context. The Apostle Paul was speaking to the church of Corinth (and the other congregations) concerning how its leadership should function.

Equipping gifts are FIRST gifts of the local church stationed within community. This is truth. No matter WHAT we are called to do in the Kingdom, the New Covenant structure does not forsake "interdependency" on a structured community (koinonia). Being a part of the corporate Body is an extension of being connected to the whole.

If we stand outside of this structure, we miss God's intention for the congregation. In addition, we limit our OWN calling, potential and purpose. It is imperative that we understand that "we are called to one another" in Christ. The question then becomes, however, what does this local community look like? Does it look like a traditional view of the church? Or does it present itself, in our dispensation of the church, in a different "structured, ordered and accountable" ways that DOES NOT disrupt the Lord's heart for the local church.

I believe the latter is true. I also believe we are defining just how different this can look inside writing groups, scribal groups, arts groups, etc. that have become lifelines for people in this hour (especially during the COVID crisis globally). As such, 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 and Ephesians 4:11 can still REMAIN within its context of building who carry full maturity or who stand in the full measure of the Christ.

The passage reads, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed IN THE CHURCH first of all apostles, SECOND PROPHETS, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues."

What we have before us is an order of GOVERNANCE within our communities that are working side-by-side in fulfilling God's plan to build His Kingdom. Prophets, in whatever measure they are called to serve, are foundational to this endeavor -- and that INCLUDES THE WRITING PROPHETS OF THE NEW COVENANT.

We have the legacy and impartation of the ancient prophets who built THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE CHURCH, propelling the New Covenant prophet-types today. Now, let's take a look at what we can glean from the ancients as it specifically relates to the "WRITING" prophets. We will keep walking with 1 Corinthians 12:27-28.

LET US BEGIN WITH A BRIEF LOOK AT EZEKIEL IN THE NEXT SECTION.