Prophesing without being a Prophet

Then Amose replied to Amaziah, "I am not a prophet, nor am I son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs.To properly understand this verse, you must understand that there was a sort of "professional prophets gild" of sorts in many ancient nations. They often served as divine councelers to kings and or in the temple. Israel and Judah were no exceptions. You can see this in the likes of Saul consulting Samuel, or David consulting Nathan and the like. Generally, the OT prophets regarded many of these professional prophets as false, because they often got carried away with the national Baal worship. Thus many lamentations of "the prophets prophesy by Baal..."So, when Amos says "I am not a prophet" he is saying that his "trade" is not as a prophet. He's no professional. Rather, his profession is as a herdsman. Essentially in Amos 7, he's being sarcastic. The notion that there are people who are not "office" prophets, yet are simply "gifted" prophets is something entirely foreign to the thought of Scripture. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon the 70 elders of Israel, even though they never prophesied again, they were regarded as among the prophets. The same goes with Saul, who when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him it was said, "Is Saul now among the prophets?" And in Corinthians, Paul identifies the individual who prophesies as a prophet. While we might not think of a person who prophesies just once or twice in their lifetime as a prophet, simply because of their lack of regularly flowing in that gift, the Scriptures do regard such a person as a prophet. I think in general, this teaching of an "office" prophet vs. "gifted" person who prophecies has simply been falsely introduced by those whom might as well be considered as part of the modern-day "professional prophet gild" who go around holding all their "prophetic conferences" and the like. For as long as they are an "office" prophet, and you are simply one who uses the "gift" of prophecy, you will continue to buy their books, tapes, and go to their conferences. There are many however, who have innocently picked up this teaching though. I almost bought into it once, and had formulated my thoughts on what a "office" prophet was.

SarcasticSARCAS'TIC,SARCAS'TICAL, a. Bitterly satirical; scornfully severe; taunting.What a fierce and sarcastic reprehension would this have drawn from the friendship of the world!

That is the scripture with which I was called into the ministry. I have always felt a very personal connection to the ministry of Amos (burden bearer).I personally believe the clergy in Israel had gotten just like some pastors are today. Samuel had set up schools of the Prophets which were to be institutes of learning for those who were set apart and called to be prophets unto God. One of the tests was that a genuine prophet had to be able to write the Torah (or the first 5 books of the law) from memory before they were to be accepted (according to some of the early Rabbi's writings). Of course the rest of the normal things had to come into play, like if thier prophesy happened or not etc... You guys all know that much.I believe Amos was not from the school of the prophets, not a professional priest or levite, but God choose him and gifted him with His Word. In the church I do believe there are some who seem to have ,,,,,say,,,, the gift as a teacher, that individual seems to have that in operation 24/7, however there also seems at times that God raises up individuals for a season to teach a certain thing (maybe God wants a certain style or past experience or faith level or whatever for a season) that only they can effectively teach. And so it is with all the gifts (I speak of people) of the spirit. Personally I like what Jesus said when He said the servant isn't above his master but it's enough for the servant to be as his master. When we limit ourselves to a certain manisfestation of the Holy Spirit's giftings I believe we have limited God and dimed the view of who Jesus Christ is in us and through us.May we all be more like Him :-) Did that answer your question?

Shouldnt we all seek to be prophets?1 Corinthians 12:28-31 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. Then there was 1Cor. 13 and Love :-) :-)