Comfort: Why the Church Needs Prophecy by Kirklin Cross, Jr.

Cleburne, TX

Prophecy: The Ultimate Result is Comfort or Mental Ease

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3 (KJV)

Encouragement is always welcomed. Exhortation may not come in the form you would like it to be. But the end result of prophecy is always comfort. There may be things you have to go through. There may be instruction. There may be words of caution and warnings. But in the end, comfort.

Comfort:

1. To soothe in time of affliction or distress.
2. To ease physically; relieve:
3. A condition or feeling of pleasurable physical ease or relief from pain or stress:
4. Solace or consolation in time of sorrow or distress: soothing words of comfort.
5. Help; assistance:
6. Something providing ease, convenience, or security: the comforts of modern living.
7. A person or thing that brings consolation or mental ease. (Photo via Pixabay)

Often, we see Jesus and the disciples throughout the Scriptures bringing comfort to people. It came in many different forms, just as the definition describes above. For example, when the father brought his lunatic son, Jesus healed him (see Matthew 17:14-18). In that passage the father came distressed to the disciples, asking them to just help him, and his son was healed.

Lazarus risen from the dead. The blind man healed. Many people comforted from distress and physical illnesses. The prophetic words that went forth in the time of sorrow for Lazarus' family that caused him to rise from the dead. I think the last definition defines one of the biggest things that we as God's children desire most: mental ease. It can be hard to go through life worrying about things to come. How life will turn out. Who you are called to be, etc. One word from God spoken over your life can put your mind at ease in an area you have been concerned about.

How often have you asked God to just give you help or assistance? How often have you asked for relief? God's prophetic word always has comfort in the equation. It may not be comforting in the beginning, but it will bring you comfort at some point.

One of the hardest things to ease at times is one's mind. We are designed to think. I know I myself am often thinking and preparing for what's next. Whether it is in ministry, my family, or even personally, it can cause a lack of sleep. It can cause worry. It can cause one to be angry because they cannot seem to figure out the answer to a problem. Knowing that God is with you, leading you, always brings a comfort to every situation.

Prophecy Helps God's People Know that He is Real

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me...(Photo by Jennifer Page "Washed in His Love"via elijahshopper.com)

Jesus describes the Holy Ghost as the Comforter. He says it is the Spirit of Truth which comes from the Father who shall testify of Him. As people are comforted through prophecy, it helps them believe even more that God is real. It helps them hold on a little longer to the promises of God. People need to know God is still alive. People are waiting for the words to flow from each and every one of God's people that will bring them into a new walk with Him.

Prophecy teaches mankind to trust God. It walks them into the truth, knowing that God is real. Have you ever ministered to someone and they spoke of how comforting it was to hear words of confirmation? It set them at ease to know that they were right where God wants them to be. We live in a time where people are lost and feel as though they have no one to turn to. You may hold in you the necessary words needed to set their minds and hearts at ease. You may hold the words of comfort that will help one keep believing.

God is looking for prophetic people to rise up and take their place in the Church once again. No one believes in the Church any more. Where are the next Smith Wigglesworths of the Church? Where is the next William Branham or Kathryn Kuhlman? Who will stand up and take their place? The Church needs prophetic people to rise up.

Moses went to Pharaoh with words that were bold. Words that gave warning and instruction, even unto his son's death. Yet it brought the Israelites comfort to know they were free. Comfort, just like edification and exhortation, isn't always for you – it may be that you are the one speaking the words to another. It may be that someone is speaking them to you. It may be that you are speaking the prophetic word to one such as Moses to Pharaoh, that will bring comfort to someone other than the two, like the Israelites. Ultimately, prophecy helps God's people know that He is real. It testifies that Christianity is real.

The Necessity of Hearing God and Bringing Comfort

Revelation 19:10 (KJV) 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."

John writes that the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy. I find it amazing, while being exiled on the Isle of Patmos, John still hears from the Father. In a time most would be grieving, he was comforted. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Revelation 1:10 (KJV) I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet...

We know that prophecy is hearing from our Heavenly Father. So then, the testimony of Jesus, or rather being a Christian, is hearing from the Heavenly Father. That's why Paul said to desire to prophecy. We as Christians, through prophecy (hearing from the Heavenly Father), have the opportunity to walk just as Christ did: proving God's glory. Revealing the hearts of men through prophecy.

We, as Christians, claim to be Christlike. But are we? Are we operating in the spiritual realm? Are we examples of the anointing of God on this earth? Jesus told us greater works shall we do. Yet most sit idle in the Church. We see the same theme throughout the Bible: Christians hearing from God, following His instruction, and bearing fruit. Proving to all that God is real. Yet, we only preach and teach on the things that the mind can fathom. My grandmother once said, "Believe the words you read, don't just read the words you believe."

Much of the Church has fallen away from faith because the Church doesn't apply it anymore. There is no application, only instruction. We lead people to Scriptures but don't teach them how to apply them. No one listens to hear from the Father because "we have it all figured out." We are divided by religions and denominations. We are divided by cultures and belief systems. We are divided by the color of skin. We are divided as a Church in many ways.

John 12:32 (KJV) And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

We are all members of the Body of Christ. We all play a role in the Body of Christ. Jesus was trying to unify all to follow Christianity. His teachings come from a servant's viewpoint. He knew the necessity in hearing God and bringing comfort in whatever form it should be to each and every person according to their need. This is the Church God is waiting on us to become again.

We are in the season where God is ready for His people to stand up again. The Church has been lying dormant with its mouth closed. People have been taught the traditions of men for quite some time. God is doing a new thing. Let it begin with you!

In His Service,

Prophet Kirklin Cross, Jr.
Kirklin Cross Jr. Ministries, Inc.
Email: kcjministriesinfo@gmail.com
Website: www.kcjministries.com