God is restoring the prophetic ministry to turn the heart of His people to Him. Yet often this office is reduced to merely one who predicts the future by a word of knowledge or wisdom rather than a declaration of the church's true condition. Many, fed up with hype and superficial ministry, are ready to receive the true prophetic message. Matthew 10:41 admonishes, "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward." What is "a prophet's reward"? Is it financial success? We don't see biblical prophets abounding in material success. Is it honor and position? No, we see prophets without honor, especially among those closest to them. What is this reward? Prophets accurately hear, speak, and see. An encounter with the true prophetic produces a desire and drive to know and obey the living God. This creates an ability to recognize Jesus. When John the Baptist declared repentance and the kingdom of Heaven, the heavily burdened multitudes came and received this sight. The hurting masses were able to see the Son of God in a simple carpenter, while the knowledge-laden Pharisees, scribes, and lawyers were blind to Him. As never before, we need hearts that hear what the Spirit is saying to His Church: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent." Revelation 3:19
