THE GIFT OF PROPHECY TODAY
Don Hawley
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4.
In only a few words, the Bible writer describes the most awe-inspiring event since God came down personally and shook Mt. Sinai with fire and smoke. When the startled crowd asked Peter what this was all about, he replied:
This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel. "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." Acts 2;16-18.
I trust that all who read this realize we are living in the last days of the "last days." The great renewal emanating from Toronto, Canada, is a repeat of Pentecost except that this time it is worldwide. The early rain is giving way to the latter rain, and Spirit fires are being set everywhere.
According to the texts quoted above, we should expect that this new outpouring will be followed by a great increase in the presence of the gift of prophecy. Spirit-filled men, women, sons, daughters, old and young should be expecting that God may use them to prophesy to the Body of Christ. This is happening today, and such gifting will further increase. Consequently, it is important that we clearly understand the role of this vital gift.
WHAT IS PROPHECY?
Prophecy is a message God gives by revelation to a Christian to share with the Body of Christ for its edification. It is essentially a public gift. Neither preaching nor teaching is an exercise in the gift of prophecy; the latter is a separate gift. Whereas the teacher or preacher is able to obtain information about the specific spiritual needs of the people only from observation or conversation, through a prophetical revelation God speaks more directly about congregational concerns. The Body of Christ is greatly blessed through the gift of prophecy, its vision is enhanced.
Sometimes prophecy deals with future events, but more often it has to do with present concerns.
PROPHECY THEN, AND NOW
In Old Testament times prophets spoke the very word of God, and their message was not questioned. It was the prophet himself, or herself, who was tested. False prophets were stoned to death, but once the prophet was accepted as a true messenger, then the message itself was inviolate.
In New Testament times only the Apostles spoke the very words of God, and thus their messages became part of the Bible canon. What God gave them for us is not to be questioned. The messages of all others who prophesy, however, are to be tested against the Word. The words and language used to report a prophecy are those chosen by the one prophesying, and their presentation is not to be considered infallible. Paul talks about evaluation.
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 1 Corin. 4:29.
The implication is that each person present should "weigh what is said" in his own mind, accepting some of the prophecy as good and helpful and rejecting some of it if erroneous or misleading.
In our own day one should not preface his prophecy by saying, "Thus saith the Lord . . . " as though an Old Testament prophet were about to speak the very words of God. It is much better to begin, "I believe the Lord has revealed to me . . ."
As is the case with other gifts of the Spirit, various people possess different degrees of ability. Over time the Body of Christ will be able to discern which individuals exercise most powerfully the gift of prophecy. Such members will prophesy more frequently, at greater length, from more clear and forceful revelation, about more important subjects, and over a wider range of topics.
WHO MAY PROPHESY?
We are living in the days when many in the Body of Christ will prophesy. Paul says, "Eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." 1Cor. 14:1. It is altogether proper for you to desire this gift, as long as your purpose is to serve the Body of Christ and not self. If God sends you a dream or a vision with a special message, do not treat it lightly. Do not assume that God would never choose to reveal his message through you.
It's not so difficult to say, "I think I have the gift of helping, or the gift of giving, or of teaching." But in some religious groups one may be a bit fearful of proclaiming, "I believe God has given me the gift of prophecy." To many ears that would sound boastful or absurd. But if God does give you that gift, don't turn your back. Don't remain silent, cherish the gift. In all humility step out and faithfully share what God has revealed to you. God, in the intense warfare ahead particularly, needs those who will prophesy. Without such vision, the people perish.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thess. 5:19-22.