“The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, disaster, and plague against many lands and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace — only when the word of the prophet comes true will the prophet be recognized as one the Lord has truly sent.””
Jeremiah28:8-9HCSB
All the prophets of God had prophesied the exile and captivity of Israel. The message of redemption would come from the Messiah. There were false prophets, in the Old Testament, that would tell Israel not worry they would experience peace, opposite of what God actually said.
We must be careful of people prophesying the opposite of what God is saying. Prophetic words should line up what God is saying through His Word. What prophetic spirit are we under today? What does the Bible prophesy for today. Let’s see:
Spirit of Prophesy is the Testimony of Jesus
“When I heard this, I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I serve God, just as you do. I am God’s servant, just like believers who hold firmly to what Jesus has taught. Worship God! The Spirit of prophecy tells the truth about Jesus.’”Revelation 19:10 NIRV
The true spirit of prophecy always shows itself in bearing witness to Jesus. Our prophetic words should have Jesus at its root. It is wrong for us to prophesy to unbelievers how great their lives will be when they are dead in their sins. How can we talk wonderful words about their destiny on earth, if their ultimate destination is hell? What does it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their own souls? We must prophesy the message of reconciliation in Jesus and God’s plan for them is eternal life. The message is clear repent, turn to Jesus to live – the Kingdom of God is here.
Prophesy should encourage our life in Christ. It is not to appeal to our flesh. Prophetic words should crucify our flesh, and give life to our spirit.
In the Last Day God Speaks Through Jesus
“Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him.” Hebrews 1:1-2 HCSB
In the gospel of John we are told that Jesus is the Word. He is the word made flesh. So since God has chosen to speak to us through Jesus then we know the primary way God speaks to us is through His word.
Paul told Timothy that God’s word is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training (2 Timothy 3:16). So the prophetic should also be good for these things. Unfortunately many have used prophesy to predict the future just like the world does through psychics and other fortune tellers. We have to be very careful not equate prophesy with reading cards and tea leaves, or looking into a crystal ball. Prophesy speaks to the will of God and ultimately God’s will is that everyone should come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We should be prophesying so that people will grow in their walk with Christ. The word reveals the truth of Jesus and it is still the primary way God speaks to us.
There are plenty of scriptures that tell us about the end times and these last days. We cannot prophesy from our own desires but we must speak the truth. At times the truth must be a word of rebuke and correction. Ultimately the prophetic word should point us to Jesus because He is the spirit of true prophesy.
I believe the reason Paul said he desired all believers to prophesy was so that the truth of Jesus would be on all our lips. We would proclaim the glory of our Lord and Savior. When seeking that gift or when looking for a prophetic word make sure it lines up with the word of God.
I know most of us desire peace and want a life free from suffering. However, in God’s word and in Jesus’ own words we were told that they would hate us just like they hated Jesus. The Apostles preached the gospel in light of facing death every day. They believed at any moment Jesus could return and they were determined to get the gospel preached. We are living in an unprecedented time and have so many avenues to share God’s word. People need to hear the truth of Jesus and how to obtain eternal life. It is wonderful to prophesy destiny, let us be sure it lines up with God’s word and His plan for eternal life.
Reflections 