By Andrew Williams
Series: The Year of the Prophet- Month 1: The Anatomy of a Prophet
Week 3: The Prophet’s Relationship with God
Anchor Scripture: “And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God.” — James 2:23 (NKJV)
The Teaching
While the Bible uses titles like “servant” and “messenger” to describe the prophet, there is a title that transcends duty and touches the very heart of the office: The Friend. When God was about to bring judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, He made a startling statement in Genesis 18:17: “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?” This is the essence of the prophetic office—divine transparency born out of mutual affection.
God is not looking for “recording devices” or “loudspeakers”; He is looking for friends. A friend is someone who knows your values, your history, and your intentions. In a human friendship, you don’t share your deep secrets with someone just because they are your employee; you share them because you trust their heart. Similarly, the prophet is not just a “workman” for the Kingdom; they are a confidant of the King.
Friendship with God means that you are concerned with what concerns Him. You aren’t just looking for “information” to give to a crowd; you are looking to spend time with the Person. Abraham’s prophetic authority didn’t come from a school or a title; it came from his walk with God. To be a prophet is to live in such a state of intimacy that God feels “compelled” by His own love to tell you what He is about to do.
Prophetic Insight
The highest level of prophetic revelation is not found in visions or dreams, but in conversation. When you are a friend of God, you begin to perceive His “moods.” You know when He is grieved, and you know when He is rejoicing. This is the “pathos” of the prophet. Many people want the secrets of God, but few want the friendship of God. But the secret is always the byproduct of the friendship. If you pursue the Person, the revelation will follow you; if you pursue the revelation, you may miss the Person entirely.
The Activation
Today, practice “The Prayer of Friendship.” Instead of coming to God with a list of requests or a “search” for a word, simply enjoy His company. Go for a walk or sit in a quiet room and say, “Lord, I am here as Your friend. I don’t want anything from You but You.” Pay attention to the thoughts that enter your mind during this time—not as “messages to deliver,” but as a friend sharing His heart with you.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am overwhelmed that You would call me Your friend. I repent for the times I have treated You like a ‘source of information’ rather than the Object of my affection. I want to be like Abraham—a person who is so aligned with Your heart that You choose not to hide Your actions from me. Draw me closer today. I value Your friendship more than my office. Amen.
