WHO IS A PROPHET, AND WHO IS A SEER?
Someone tells you what will happen tomorrow, and immediately you call him a prophet. But have you ever stopped to ask what makes a person a prophet? Is it simply the ability to see?
We must understand that prophets speak; seers see. What comes to my mind first is Saul first encounter with Samuel; he was looking for a seer 1Samuel 9.
Understanding their assignments helps us recognise what God has committed to each and what we should receive through their ministries.
We must understand that prophets speak; seers see. What comes to my mind first is Saul first encounter with Samuel; he was looking for a seer 1Samuel 9.
Understanding their assignments helps us recognise what God has committed to each and what we should receive through their ministries.
A seer receives sight through dreams and visions. God can show such a person things concerning people, circumstances, and events ahead. This ability is not evil. God gives seers, and their operations have a place. However, seeing what will happen tomorrow does not, by itself, define a prophet's assignment.
Isaiah 30:10 says, “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things.”
Notice the distinction: seers are addressed concerning their seeing, while prophets are addressed concerning their speaking.
Notice the distinction: seers are addressed concerning their seeing, while prophets are addressed concerning their speaking.
Who, then, is a prophet?
A prophet brings the mind, counsel, and commandment of God concerning God and humanity. His assignment centres on revealing God’s eternal purpose: that God will dwell among men, and that men will be conformed to the image of His Son.
A prophet is a preacher who brings the revelation of God’s mysteries. His speaking gives direction into God’s intention. He communicates what is in God’s heart so that people can believe, respond, and journey towards its fulfilment.
This is why Revelation 19:10 declares, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
The spirit of prophecy testifies of Jesus Christ: God manifest in the flesh. Its concern is God’s habitation among men and the fulfilment of His purpose in humanity. We must understand prophecy from this centre if we are to understand the ministry of a prophet.
Prophets speak God’s thoughts ahead of their fulfilment. They keep speaking because faith comes by hearing. Through their speaking, the spirit of prophecy is released to accomplish God’s intention. What they proclaim may extend beyond their own lifetime, yet God continues working towards its fulfilment. You remember Prophet Isaiah talking about a virgin conceiving, and it never happened in his days or even in the next generation; the prophecy was fulfilled 600 to 700 years after ( between 739 BC and 681 BC).
Therefore, prophetic ministry cannot be measured by dramatic expressions, clothing, or the repeated declaration, “Thus saith the Lord.” Neither should we assume that someone knows God’s purpose simply because he can disclose hidden information.
The question we must ask is: What is this ministry revealing about God and His Son? Is it showing us God’s vision and how humanity connects to it? Is it preparing our hearts to become His habitation?
A person may be both a seer and a prophet; note that in the life of Balaam. Nevertheless, the assignments must be understood.
Today’s prophets must expound what God has already committed to His prophets and apostles. Their ministry should reveal the Son and serve the fulfilment of God’s vision.
We must therefore pay attention to what our hearing is producing. Are our hearts receiving God’s impressions? Are our lives being raised? Are we learning God and becoming responsive to His eternal purpose?
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We don't even have the pure seers in our generation like that. We have more magicians and summoners, picking things from the same heaven with witches and palmistry. Thanks.
💯💯💯
Thank you for the distinction you made right there🙏
I liked the fact that you said one can be both a seer and a prophet.
This brought to mind this scripture: Numbers 11:29
So it is clear that God put more emphasis on prophets than seers
1 Corinthians 14:5 shows that prophecy is exalted more
All these show how close prophecy is to God.
Therefore what we should desire more than the ability to see tomorrow is actually to become a Prophet.
A Prophet has to do with sayings and God's sayings are the most valuable treasures to God actually
No wonder Prophets are so close to his heart 🤩