Category: Words of Study & Instruction: Scribes & the Arts

Copyright 2017 Theresa Harvard Johnson

Yes, scribal prophets are different. (I am still on that topic.)

They not only exist in the atmosphere of the prophetic, but they also live through the scribal realm. In other words, they think and act like a scribe even though they are called to be fully functioning prophets. (See my article, The Way of the Scribal Prophet.)

When we study scribal culture from a biblical perspective, we learn a great deal about how these serious, biblical scribes governed their lives and walked out their assignments. They were extremely loyal to God, disciplined in the midst of the craft… and faithful to the message entrusted to them. These three components are at the heart of scribes dedicated to Christ. They are especially critical for those who consider themselves prophetic at any level.

We must understand, however, that the writing and recording of scripture was an artistic process – in listening, calligraphy and printmaking for temple scribes, royal scribes and scribes who operated by trade. Yes, the first council of scribes consisted of those who made judicial decisions but they were also extremely skilled in the scribal arts. This anointing, as we teach it within The Scribal Anointing book series, is extremely broad… and expands throughout the Bible.

In today’s culture, modern dictionaries define the “scribe” as a WRITER. That definition, however, does not match its biblical use or historical foundations. (I find it interesting that the dictionaries do not present a broader explanation.)I firmly believe God has raised up The School of the Scribe to create a clear path for believers to sort through it all. You see, there is a “writer’s anointing” and then there is “The Scribal AnointingÒ.” What we are referencing here is the full ministry of the scribe from Moses to Ezra to the present day release acknowledged by Christ.

Copyright 2017 Theresa Harvard Johnson

In “The School of the Scribe” we teach that scribal prophets are fully functioning prophets as we understand them in the midst of our faith in Christ. What makes them different is that they administrate their calling “scribally.”

I believe it is necessary to provide some insight on what this might look like. In the list below, I’ve outlined some common operations of the prophet that most apostolic-prophetic people will find agreement concerning.  This very short list is more in-depth than this, but it should provide you with a contrast between a prophet who is NOT a scribe; and a prophet who IS a scribe. I want you to see into their actions as much as you see the calling.

Copyright 2017 Theresa Harvard Johnson

 

I felt like an oddball. (And yes, I am speaking of what was going on emotionally in my heart. It was real. I had not crossed into the spiritual reality, security or maturity of it at the time.)

When the prophets in training were called before the congregation to serve in the presbytery, I always wanted to carry my notebook and a pen with me. I remember the minister telling me (more than once) that I could not do that. He said it was a distraction for this type of ministry. He said I needed to learn how to be present for the people and prophesy from my spirit.

Let us just say that as a young prophet, I did not like that but I obeyed.

While I learned to follow the group protocol without offense, I would stand there… with my hands “literally burning” beside me, longing to write what I was hearing. My palms would be flushed. The only thing I knew to do was open and close my fists or hold my hands firmly across my waist until the evening ended. Sometimes, I would be so overwhelmed by this need to write that once we were released from our assignment, I would race to my seat, grab my pen and paper… and frantically write down what I was hearing.