“Prophets Versus the Gift of Prophecy and Intercession” examines the interrelationship between current church culture and what the Bible actually says. Over the decades I have heard many ministers and teachers whom I love and greatly respect teach about the “gift of intercession.”
Here’s the challenge. Get your Bible out with your Strongs Concordance or any other tool that you can use to search the Bible and see if you can find a “gift of intercession.” It’s not there.
It is because intercession is an act, not a gift. It occurs anytime someone chooses to intercede on behalf of another. Hebrews 7:25 reveals that Jesus lives to make intercession. Jesus is the premiere intercessor. We are all called to be like Him right? Hence, it is my conviction that we are all called as intercessors.
But how did this concept of the gift of intercession come to be? In my opinion, I think it likely orginated with the denominations, seminaries and Bible schools that teach the apostles and prophets gifts ceased after the early church was founded and the Bible was compiled into its current canon.
In this video, in just 180 seconds, I’ll hit the highlights. Last year I prepared a similar a similar article, click here, and we took at look at the Hebrew word translated intercession. You’ll be shocked to discover what it really means. Then you’ll understand why intercessors often seem so militant.
Please do not misunderstand me. I am so grateful for the intercessors of today. But I’d submit, it is not a gift of intercession at work, but rather, a prophetic gift at work. Consider the following.
But if they are prophets, and if the word of the LORD is with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, do not go to Babylon.’ Jeremiah 27:18
There are people who seem to love to pray more than others. I would submit that it is not the “gift of intercession” at work, but rather the exercise of the prophetic gift. Not every intercessor is a prophet. But, every real prophet is an intercessor.
Intercession is a mark of the prophetic at work. But, it is a challenge if in your doctrine you teach the prophets spoken of in the New Testament were regulated to the Old Testament and to the start of the Church. The word intercession or intercessor is easier to fit into a theology that wants to avoid the term prophet.
Pentecost & the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Today the Church that uses the Gregorian calendar is celebrating Pentecost. That’s when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church and they spoke with other tongues. Paul addresses these gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14. The gift of prophecy is introduced in 1 Corinthians 12:10.
Then in 1 Corinthians 12:28 Paul writes, God set firstly apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…. which is in reference to the gifts Jesus gave in Ephesians 4:7-11. As we continue reading we come to 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 where the scripture says we are to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. Why? Because verse 3 reveals that it edifies, exhorts and comforts the body of Christ.
The five-fold ministry which includes the gift of prophet which Jesus gave was to equip the saints for the work of the ministry until we all come to the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. A mature church.
In the Old Testament the Lord sent prophets to address kings, nations, priests and other prophets. They were often assigned to work with kings like David and Nathan the prophet or King Hezekiah working with Isaiah.
The New Testament prophet is a little different. Sometimes God will still use the gift to address leaders in government or the church, they can foretell, bring correction or encouragement today. Sometimes they may also speak to nations.
Their revelatory gift is important when it comes to establishing new works and laying the foundation or government for those works. Today, they are typically teamed with apostles. God needs them anytime He wants something done new or pioneered.
The Main Purpose of the New Testament Prophet
But I think the main purpose of the New Testament prophet is to impart a love for God’s presence, hearing His voice and seeing in the spirit. Then they equip the saints so they can see and hear in the spirit as well.
Then You’ll Understand Intercession
Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy? Amos 3:7-8
God shares His heart with those who carry a prophetic gift. Ephesians 4:11-13 reveals that God wants everyone to hear. Why even Moses in Numbers 11:29 says, “oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that He would put His spirit upon them.”
When you understand the prophetic gift and how it works, you’ll begin to recognize what it looks like. While intercession is an act that anyone can do, those with a prophetic gift will exercise it far more than others.
18 But if they are prophets, and if the word of the LORD is with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, do not go to Babylon.’ Jeremiah 27:18
