Scary thought: "We wouldn't even believe resurrected Paul"
Ok forget defining features; probably the wrong use of words. Have we ever met someone who we recognize as an ordained man or woman of God? I don't just mean anyone who has been allowed into this beautiful umbrella of Grace. There seem to be certain ones who are selected, chosen. They have little or no choice in their salvation, although they are fulfilling their life desires while serving Him. Divinely constructed desires, perhaps, but not really my point.
There certainly are many who are called, and many answer that call. There are, however, certain people who are not called, but something more. These people are of special purpose (not more loved, just different office), and I have only met one person who I think comes close to this description. He is no apostle. He is certainly a prophet (confirmed a few things to me personally about a divine dream, really incredible story, but I digress), and there is something so different about his speech. The words are the same, the demeanor the same as any other person, and yet....
In his presence I feel as though I owe him respect for absolutely no reason. It is the most unusual and yet natural feeling, and it certainly isn't oppressive. It's almost a joy to serve him. What a backward thought! Usually my members war against my desire to serve, but not for this man. I want to listen to every word he says; I want to let every single syllable drop into my spirit and send ripples through my being. It is something incredibly divine, and I cannot seem to put my finger on it. I should wonder what the words of an apostle are like!
I wonder, what makes this so? This man has not performed more than a simple word of knowledge to me, and yet I am reverent! What is the mark of apostleship? I don't wish to know their works or organizational position, but there is something undeniably unique about a man of God who is chosen. Have we met people like this? Why are there not more in the bride who has such soiled wedding clothes? Where have the modern day apostles gone? Perhaps they have left our western world which is so innoculated with unbelief: we've had the spirituality blessed out of us! What do you all think? Are we missing things we shouldn't be? Is the NT truly our "apostle"? In the words of the Ethiopian: "How should I understand unless someone teach me?"
