Today there are many prophetic voices warning of various events of gloom and destruction to come. Sometimes dates are given for these events which often go by with nothing obvious happening. As a result, many people have become prophecy-sceptics while others have become mockers and scoffers. The Bible warns us of false prophets and for us not to be deceived. How is one to make sense of all this?
- What is the purpose of Prophecy?
- Is God still speaking through prophets today? How do we know that these modern-day prophets are sent by God and not just saying things to draw attention to themselves or to instill fear?
- If these prophesies are from God, why have they not come to pass yet?
Over the next few posts I would like to reflect on what to make of the messages we receive from modern day prophets. I will attempt to shed light on the issues we may have with prophesy in our day as highlighted in the points above. I will also share confirmation I have received of some prophesies.
We know that in the Bible God spoke to His people through various prophets including Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and many more. The purpose of prophecy is for correction and to warn His people of His judgement if their rebellion should continue. The Bible bears witness that God always honours His word spoken through the prophets. "So is my word that goes out of my mouth: it shall not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it" (Isa.55:11). "Thus, Zimri destroyed all the house of Ba'asha according to the word of the Lord which he spoke against Ba'asha by Jehu the prophet" (1Kings 16:12). Again, after the death of Jezebel: "This is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, 'In the territory of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel'" (2Kings 9:36).
But is God still using prophets today to speak through? Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb.13:8), so we can assume that God continues to engage with His people as He did before. The Word states, "Surely the Lord God does nothing, without revealing his secrets to his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7).
We should remember that prophecy is one of the gifts of the Spirit of God. "To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of tongues. All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills" (1Cor.12:10-11). We are encouraged in the Word to embrace this gift. "Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" (1Cor.14:1).
Brothers and Sisters, God continues to speak to us today through those he has chosen to be His mouthpiece. The Word tells us that prophecy will increase in the last days. "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I shall pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions" (Joel 2:28). There have been many prophecies given to people unknown, men, women and children. God is speaking to us today. Let us not reject His word. (Next time we will consider how to test prophecy.)
My Prayer
Father AHAYAH, thank you that You continue to send us prophets to correct us and to call us back to You. Thank you that you always warn us before you unleash Your judgement upon us. Father, please forgive us our sins and teach us Your ways. Please grant us the spirit of discernment that we may rightly judge what is from You. Thank you for Your love and mercy for us.