It is always fun to get gifts, for birthdays, Christmas, or just because. However, most gifts are used and then they break. We outgrow them, they no longer interest us or they get lost in a move. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts that we never outgrow or lose. The gifts He gives us helps us with our life on earth, brings us into relationship with the Father, and transforms us into holy beings who can come into the presence of our holy God. One of these gifts is the gift of prophesy.
Not everyone is given the gift to prophesy in the Spirit. However, if God has put you in a situation where He wants you to prophesy, then listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling you. Do not worry about interpreting the prophesy, as that is not your job. Rather, leave the interpretation to God. After all, it is God who has given you the prophesy in the first place.
So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:19-21
Do people still prophesy? Yes. To prophesy doesn’t mean that you have been given the knowledge when the world will end. Rather, to be given a prophesy to speak is to encourage someone or the church. But wait, didn’t many of the prophets of the Old Testament prophesy doom and gloom for God’s people? Yes they did. God used prophets to tell His people that their actions would be their undoing. Indeed, many of the prophets such as Isaiah and Micah prophesied that Israel and Judah would be taken into captivity and exiled. But along with the dismaying word of judgement, these prophets were also told by God to prophesy hope. Even though, the near future looked bleak, God would provide a way for all men to come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
In the case of Jonah the prophet, sent to the Ninevites, the people listened to God’s words spoken through him, and they were saved.
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three days’ walk. Then Jonah began to go through the city one day’s walk; and he cried out and said, “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”
Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them. When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes. He issued a proclamation and it said, “In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water. But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands. Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish.”
When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it. Jonah 3
Why did God send Jonah to prophesy to Nineveh? Because He didn’t want them to destroy themselves by continuing in wickedness. And they listened and obeyed God. Sometimes that is why God gives prophesy to a person. He may have a word for that particular person to declare which way He wants him/her to go. It may be God wants obedience, or it may be that God wants to send one on an unexpected path.
Basically, prophesy is one way God communicates with us. It is so hard to wrap our minds around the fact that God, who is unfathomably huge and powerful wants to have an intimate relationship with each and every one of us. He uses many ways to tell us that He is involved in our lives. He uses the urgings of the Holy Spirit, prophesy from the Holy Spirit, His Word, and His own calm voice, to name a few ways.
Paul writes to the Corinthians concerning prophecy. This was a church that had many questions concerning the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It seems one of their questions concerned which gifts were more prominent than others. Within this context, there also seemed to be a question of which was the better gift to have, speaking in tongues or the gift of prophesy. Within Paul’s answer to the Corinthians, we learn more about how to use the gift of prophesy if given to us by the Holy Spirit.
Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. I Corinthians 14:1-4
Note that Paul tells the Corinthians to pursue love. Love is above all spiritual gifts. To love others as God loves us is more powerful than any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That said, we are to desire earnestly spiritual gifts, especially that of prophecy. Paul continues to write that prophecy, when done through the Holy Spirit, encourages, disciplines and consoles. Aren’t these three characteristics part of walking the Christian journey?
There is however, one caveat to prophecy. One must be discerning. There are many false prophets today, just as there were in Biblical times. God was very displeased with the false prophets of Judah during Micah’s time. Read what God told Micah to tell the false prophets:
Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray;
When they have something to bite with their teeth,
They cry, “Peace,”
But against him who puts nothing in their mouths
They declare holy war.
Therefore it will be night for you—without vision,
And darkness for you—without divination.
The sun will go down on the prophets,
And the day will become dark over them.
The seers will be ashamed
And the diviners will be embarrassed.
Indeed, they will all cover their mouths
Because there is no answer from God.
On the other hand I am filled with power—
With the Spirit of the Lord—
And with justice and courage
To make known to Jacob his rebellious act,
Even to Israel his sin. Micah 3:5-8
God, through Micah, told the false prophets that they were leading his people astray. They weren’t prophesying what God told them. As a consequence, God will remove their abilities to prophesy entirely.
So how can you tell a prophecy is from God, and not just something someone is making up? Take another look at what Micah tells the false prophets at the end of his speech. He says, I am filled with power—With the Spirit of the Lord—And with justice and courage, he prophecies what God tells him. Make sure if you receive a prophecy from someone, that person is indeed filled with the Holy Spirit. Does s/he display the fruits of the Spirit in his/her life? Does this person have integrity? Ask God, if the prophecy is true and you should heed it. The Holy Spirit will let you know.
And what if you are the one given the prophecy? How do you know the prophecy is from God and not another source? If you have been given the gift of prophecy, it is so important to stay in constant contact with God. You need to be daily growing closer to Him so that you know His voice. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern the message. Is it a message that uplifts, disciplines or gives comfort? Finally, when given a prophecy, give God the praise.
O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise! Psalm 51:15
Photo credit: 2022. Aglow International. Retrieved at https://www.aglow.org/resources/free-resources/bible-studies/568-holy-spirit-part-3 on June 1, 2022.
*All scripture used in this blog are from the NASB.
