By Andrew Williams
Series: The Year of the Prophet- Month 8: False Prophets & Mature Discernment
Week 31: Fruit Over Gifts (The Character Test)
Anchor Scripture: “And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” — Revelation 19:10 (NKJV)
The Teaching
In our quest for mature discernment, we come to the “North Star” of the prophetic office. There are many tests for a prophet—accuracy, character, and fruit—but the ultimate, non-negotiable test is: Where is the pointer?
A true prophetic word is like a high-powered spotlight. A spotlight does not exist so that people can admire the bulb or the machine; it exists to illuminate an object so that people can see it clearly in the dark. If a prophet speaks and the people are left dazzled by the prophet’s “power,” “mystique,” or “deep secrets,” but they are not more in awe of Jesus Christ, then the spotlight has been turned on the wrong subject.
The “Spirit of Prophecy” is the Testimony of Jesus. This means that the primary function of the office is to testify to the Person, the Work, the Nature, and the current Heart of Christ. If a “prophetic ministry” focuses primarily on political conspiracies, financial predictions, “secret” spiritual formulas, or the personal greatness of the messenger, it has drifted from its foundation. A word may be 100% accurate in its facts, but if it doesn’t leave the hearer with a greater desire to “Worship God,” it is not serving the Kingdom purpose.
Prophetic Insight
Maturity in the office is marked by Christ-Centricity. An immature prophet wants to be known as “the one who saw it.” A mature prophet wants to be “the one who showed Him.” You must develop a spiritual “internal compass” that reacts to the Name of Jesus. When you hear a prophetic voice, ask yourself: “Does this word make me feel closer to the Savior, or just more dependent on the Speaker?” True prophecy produces Christ-consciousness. It reminds the Church that Jesus is the Head, the Center, and the Goal. If a “revelation” doesn’t lead back to the Cross and the Throne of Christ, it is a detour. The greatest prophets in history were those who pointed away from themselves until they were completely invisible behind the Glory of the One they announced.
The Activation
Perform a “Focus Audit” of the prophetic influences in your life—including your own. Today, look at the last three “revelations” you received or shared. Did they lead to a deeper love for Jesus, or were they just interesting pieces of information? Intentionally spend 15 minutes in worship today, saying: “Jesus, You are the Spirit of my Prophecy. I refuse to speak or listen to anything that doesn’t point to Your Lordship.”
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I worship You! I declare that You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of my calling. Forgive me for the times I have been more fascinated by ‘the prophetic’ than by the ‘Person of Christ.’ I choose today to make Your testimony my only priority. Let my voice be a spotlight that reveals Your Beauty. I refuse to point to myself or to any other subject. You alone are my North Star. Amen.
