Bishop E. Bernard Jordan
“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10, KJV)
What separates the true prophets from the false prophets? The testimony of Jesus Christ. The testimony of Jesus Christ IS the spirit of prophecy. The true prophet bears witness to the fact that Jesus is Lord. The false prophet, the psychic, the diviner, the soothsayer, the fortune teller, do not testify of Jesus Christ. The prophet is the voice of God in the earth to redeem Man back to God, and in doing so brings Man back into divine relationship with His Creator.
“Then I fell prostrate at his feet to worship (to pay divine honors) to him, but he [restrained me] and said, Refrain! [You must not do that!] I am [only] another servant with you and your brethren who have [accepted and hold] the testimony borne by Jesus. Worship God! For the substance (essence) of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy [the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose, including both mine and yours].” (Revelation 19:10, AMP)
The prophet’s job is not easy. He/she often has to fight through the crowd of naysayers, doubters and unbelievers, always convincing and proving that he/she is sent by God. But the true prophet is not shaken by persecution. True prophets understand that their testimony of Jesus Christ, their very witness of who God is, and their assignment to point people back to the Father will bring persecution.
“I, John, your brother and companion (sharer and participator) with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patient endurance [which are] in Jesus Christ, was on the isle called Patmos, [banished] on account of [my witnessing to] the Word of God and the testimony (the proof, the evidence) for Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 1:9, AMP)
The true prophet understands that he/she will overcome any adversity, persecution, hesitation, reservation or challenge, if they hold fast to their testimony, for the word of the Lord is a sword. The true prophet will not cower in the face of tests or trials. They will stand upon the Rock, who is Jesus Christ, they will have faith in their Source, who is God, and they will forever follow the leading of their guide, who is the Holy Spirit.
“And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].” (Revelation 12:11, AMP)
The prophets of God will be persecuted. Once the true prophet accepts and embraces his/her calling, persecution is inevitable. Doesn’t the Bible teach that the Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets?
“Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God’s own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God’s [own] household. You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone.”
(Ephesians 2:19-20, AMP)
How is foundation treated? Foundation is walked on, spit on, stomped on. If you are not willing to be walked on, spit on and stomped on, then the question arises, are you a true prophet? The true prophet has the responsibility of bringing redemptive thinking to God’s people. The true prophet will bring change and transformation to the environment in which he/she is assigned. The true prophet will move boldly in his/her office, knowing that the enemy will make war because of the testimony that exists within them and because of their inherent ability to reproduce.
“So then the dragon was furious (enraged) at the woman, and he went away to wage war on the remainder of her descendants—[on those] who obey God’s commandments and who have the testimony of Jesus Christ [and adhere to it and bear witness to Him].” (Revelation 12:11, AMP)
For more information and resources on the prophetic and/or to contact Bishop E. Bernard Jordan, visit www.bishopjordan.com or call 212-316-2177