Prophecy – Essential for Spiritual Renewal
Prophecy is one of the essentials for spiritual renewal in our lives and the church.
What is prophecy?
Too often we think of prophecy in the context for foretelling the future. However, properly understood, it is the act of forth telling the word of God. It is hearing from God and repeating what we heard, a word from God for his chosen people. It is always consistent with the scriptures and is frequently the application of God’s known will – from scripture – to a new circumstance. We see this repeatedly in the Old Testament with the blessing and curses from Leviticus and Deuteronomy applied to Israel and Judah by the prophets.
Why do we need prophecy?
There is always a need to hear the word of the Lord. This is illustrated in the book of Judges where people decided to live as they saw fit. If we are to experience spiritual renewal, we must hear what God says to us – this is the role of the prophet.
Old Testament prophets
Moses can credibly be called the greatest of the prophets. God spoke to him directly and he stood as intercessor between God and the people and the proclaimer of God’s will and covenant with his people. Other prophets we are familiar with include Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
How did God call prophets?
Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the LORD said to me,
“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;
for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,
and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 1:4–8 (ESV)
And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day.” Ezekiel 2:1–3 (ESV).
The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. Amos 1:1 (ESV)
Here are three different calls for three prophets. Jeremiah was chosen before his birth. Ezekiel was in in exile and from the priestly line. Amos was a shepherd. Each of these prophets had a different audience and spoke forth God’s Word to the people that they might experience spiritual renewal.
Fast forward
Now – prophecy in the New Testament and for the church of today…
“ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. Acts 2:17–18 (ESV)
Peter quoted Joel in his sermon on Pentecost. This prophecy is being fulfilled by raising up a new line of prophets! The Spirit of God gives the gift of prophecy. This gift is for men and women and is an essential part of the church.
Here is our guidance about this gift
1 Corinthians 12:7–11 that explains some of the gifts of the Spirit – one of which is prophecy.
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV)
The gift of prophecy is a definite gift for believers for the building up of the church, not for personal consumption or glory. It is given by the Holy Spirit according to his will and purposes. And we also see that it may be given in response to an earnest request.
Why is prophecy so important for spiritual renewal?
Quite simply, it reveals the word and will of God. This is something we always need, particularly if we are seeking spiritual renewal. It invites a response to God’s word. Prophecy is also a dimension of the presence of God – the word of God is not detached from the person of God. Therefore, it brings God near.
Our need for spiritual renewal is often the result of busyness and distraction. Prophetic words urge us to stop and listen, focusing our attention on what God would have us do.
Throughout the Bible, prophetic words have been used to call God’s people back to him through repentance. They remind us of God’s warnings and promises. Furthermore, they apply his warnings and promises to our current circumstances.
Prophetic words are words of correction, aligning us with God’s leadership.
Receiving the gift
On the day of Pentecost, the believers experienced Holy Spirit baptism. They then spoke prophetically. As Paul encouraged in 1 Corinthians 14, we should seek this gift, ask for it and believe that you may receive it, if it is God’s will.
Testing the gift
Not everyone who claims the gift has the gift. False prophets have abounded throughout history. Every prophetic utterance must pass an important test: they must be consistent with scripture, make much of the Lordship of Jesus and point the listeners to God.
Nurturing the gift
If you have received the gift, you must act with humility. Acceptance is by faith. To continue in the gift, you must spend much time in devotion and worship, study of God’s word, prayer. It will also require silence and solitude. And, then, you must boldly speak the word.
Your turn
What will you do now? Ask God for the gift of prophecy. If you are ready and it is his will, he will grant this request. If not, continue to seek God for his will and his way for your life – and listen carefully to the words you hear spoken that call your heart and the church to repentance and renewal.