The Prophet Contrasted with the Prophetic

There is a difference between being prophetic and being a prophet. Paul says in 1 Cor. 4:1 that everyone should desire to prophesy. I interpret this as meaning that everyone has the potential to prophesy. A prophet is different. The prophet is one of the five-fold-ministry callings. Paul says in Ephesians chapter four that the prophet is a gift from God to men. A prophet is commonly depicted as an eagle mainly because they can see great distances. I feel that God showed me an analogy distinguishing the prophet from the prophetic. I feel that He showed me that as a chicken can jump decently high and float for an extended moment that this is comparable to the prophetic. The distance that a chicken can jump, and the length of time they can stay afloat is equivalent to their ability to catch glimpses into the prophetic realm. They may see accurately the things that are within their vision’s range, and their vision will effectively minister to those that are within their sphere of influence. However, they will never see with the clarity and vision of an eagle. An eagle literally lives in the heavens. When they aren’t flying at great heights, they are resting in their nest which is also at great heights.

I feel that God showed me without the partnership of the eagle that ministries won’t survive these coming days. Some ministries may feel that they have a strong grasp on the prophetic, and they very well may. Though, in order to survive the coming crises they will need an eagle’s vision. Without the eagle they won’t be prepared for the drastic worldwide changes that are quickly approaching, and the result will be catastrophic.

In 1 Cor. Chapter 12 Paul strongly encourages the bride to embrace the various members of the body. I believe that in this illustration the prophet represents the body’s eyes, and we will need their vision in the coming months and years.