By Andrew Williams
Series: The Year of the Prophet- Month 1: The Anatomy of a Prophet
Week 5: Recognition and Receiving
Anchor Scripture: “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 (NKJV)
The Teaching
A gift that is not recognized cannot be fully utilized. In the Greek, the word for “recognize” used by Paul is eidenai, which goes deeper than simply knowing someone’s name or seeing their face. It means to “know by experience” or to “perceive the true nature” of someone.
One of the greatest tragedies in the Church occurs when a Prophet is standing in the midst of a people, but the people do not “know” who is among them. They see the person’s history, their personality, or their flaws, but they fail to recognize the office the person carries. This is the “Familiarity Trap.” It is what happened to Jesus in His hometown when the people said, “Is this not the carpenter’s son?” They recognized the man, but they failed to recognize the Mantle. Because of their lack of recognition, the “Prophet’s Reward” (Day 29) remained locked, and He could do no mighty works there.
Recognition is the key that opens the door to prophetic ministry. To recognize a Prophet is to acknowledge that God has set this person among you for a specific purpose. It is a spiritual “sight” that looks past the flesh and honors the Spirit. When you recognize those who labor in the prophetic office, you are not elevating a human being; you are honoring the wisdom of the King who sent them to you for your edification and protection.
Prophetic Insight
Recognition is a spiritual sense. Just as you can smell rain before it falls, you should be able to “sense” the office of a prophet before they even speak. If you only judge prophets by their “platform performance,” you are not recognizing them; you are merely consuming their gift. True recognition happens in the spirit. It is a “witness” that says, “God is speaking through this vessel.” When you recognize a prophet, you create a “landing strip” for the word of the Lord. Your recognition actually makes it easier for the prophet to function with clarity and power.
The Activation
Ask the Holy Spirit today to sharpen your “spiritual radar.” Look at the leaders and the prophetic voices in your life. Ask yourself: “Do I recognize them in the spirit, or do I only know them in the flesh?” Take a moment to intentionally “esteem them highly in love” in your heart. Tell the Lord, “I recognize the gifts You have set in my life, and I refuse to let familiarity blind me to Your voice.”
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You for those who labor among us in the prophetic office. I ask for eyes that see and a heart that recognizes Your sent ones. Forgive me for the times I have allowed familiarity or judgment to stop me from perceiving the true nature of Your gifts. I choose today to honor the mantle over the man and the spirit over the flesh. Give me a spirit of discernment to know who You have placed in my life for my growth. Amen.
