Recently life has challenged me to confront my spiritual giftings and wirings afresh. Melancholy + Introvert + Wise + Passionate = Prophet. That's a simplified equation, but although I thrive in the role of a prophet, I don't like the fact that people like me are needed in the body of Christ. I wish there was no need for change, because everything was done right and well the first time. If no one had legitimate reasons to be confronted, that would mean that everyone could discern God's will and pursue Him regardless of circumstances.
Instead, individually and corporately, we are never where we want to be, and always in need of wisdom and discernment. The three major roles of Jesus--Prophet, Priest, King--were NEVER meant for us to fulfill. We can represent parts of those roles to others, but the brokenness of this world and our hearts prevents us from ever experiencing these roles as God intended--through the person of Jesus. For some reason I have always seen these roles as ones God gave to men, and that Jesus superseded. Instead, these were roles Jesus had before creation, and ones that humanity only gets glimpses of post-Fall.
The priest and king roles seem to be better roles, since they have either a positive or authoritative connotation. The prophet seems like the step-child of the three, the one people do not welcome, desire, or even recognize often within the church. It's probably why I never feel quite at peace with where I live, work, or am--there's something about the way God designs prophets to never be content and to always be conscious of that discontent in a deep and profound way.
If someone could design a Prophet's Disneyland here on earth, I can guarantee this--you wouldn't get a lot of customers, but you would unequivocally loyal customers who would pay whatever you asked. We long for a place to call home and to be surrounded by those who think and feel the same way.
