I'll admit that I'm running out of steam on this topic, but I wanted to end by addressing the topic of "How" because it is at this point that most people get tripped up on the topic. Also, by addressing this topic, I hope to relieve some misgivings which tend to spook those who would give consideration to the prophetic.
Discernment is paramount when it comes to prophecy. Throughout the history of the church, purported "prophets" have brought reproach upon the prophetic--indeed upon the Christian faith--by creating hysteria and misleading the masses through outlandish pronouncements.
This is unfortunate and palpably awkward. The world did not end on May 21, 2011, nor did it end in 1988 (though 1988 did mark the end of the world of glam rock!). At times the results have been outright disastrous, as in the case of David Koresh and his Branch Davidian sect.
I'd like to put forth 6 tests, which I believe, if applied, would have exposed the false prophets/prophecies of the past and which I believe will give us adequate discernment to wisely integrate the prophetic into our experience.
The test of SCRIPTURE
Clearly the first test must always be to run so-called prophetic words through the filter of Scripture. (I would also add the sub point that no prophecy should be given the same standing of the canonical Scripture.)
In Deuteronomy 13:1-5 we're actually given this straightforward test:
"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst."
Clearly we ought to disregard any prophetic utterance that deviates from clear Scriptural teaching. It occurs to me that this is essentially the same thing as not putting the prophetic on par with Scripture. Thus we see Turtullian could have acknowledged a middle ground between embracing continued prophecy and maintaining the authority of the sacred Scriptures.
This is mirrored in the New Testament by Paul who wrote: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." [Gal. 1:8]
This does require local bodies to thoroughly embrace the gift of "teaching" [Eph. 4:11] and for the body themselves to know the Bible well.
The test of RESONANCE
Paul tells us that the prophetic ought to result in "upbuilding and encouragement and consolation" and disclosure of thoughts [1 Cor. 14:3; 25] . It is a piercing word from God that cuts to the heart of the matter, unless it isn't!
When someone claims or even suggests to have a prophetic word, one is clearly permitted to prayerfully consider whether what they've heard is indeed from God. Paul writes:
This brings me to my final 4.
When someone claims or even suggests to have a prophetic word, one is clearly permitted to prayerfully consider whether what they've heard is indeed from God. Paul writes:
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said." [1 Cor. 14:21]At one point I actually had this take place. A person I was interacting with claimed to be uttering prophetic words. This person was in a frenetic, trance-like state and claimed to be saying things to me on God's behalf. Without hesitation I knew they did not resonate in any way. (Nor, by the way, did anyone else involved in the situation.)
This brings me to my final 4.
The test of ORDER
While the prophetic may be the result ecstatic visions, it itself is rarely ecstatic or frenetic--it is orderly.
Thus Ezekiel and Isaiah were confronted with ineffable experiences and visions. Ezekiel tells us, " the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God." [1:1].
However, when it came time to "prophesy", Ezekiel reported in a sane and orderly way. Though the prophet may do outlandish things (like bake food over dung, lie on one's side for 40 days or marry a prostitute), the prophet remains (often remorsefully) in his or her own mind.
This is why Paul writes:
Even returning to Tertullian's dilemma regarding Montanus' prophetesses, we can see that such ecstatic, out-of-body utterances are not a true hallmark of the prophetic.
I believe this is one of the main misgivings people have about the prophetic, but it needn't be the case.
This relates to the next test.
The test of MATURITY
Thus Ezekiel and Isaiah were confronted with ineffable experiences and visions. Ezekiel tells us, " the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God." [1:1].
However, when it came time to "prophesy", Ezekiel reported in a sane and orderly way. Though the prophet may do outlandish things (like bake food over dung, lie on one's side for 40 days or marry a prostitute), the prophet remains (often remorsefully) in his or her own mind.
This is why Paul writes:
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace." [1 Cor. 14:29-33]Some take this to mean that each individual prophet has control over what and whether to speak. (Which is something we brush up against in the case of Jeremiah
Even returning to Tertullian's dilemma regarding Montanus' prophetesses, we can see that such ecstatic, out-of-body utterances are not a true hallmark of the prophetic.
I believe this is one of the main misgivings people have about the prophetic, but it needn't be the case.
This relates to the next test.
The test of MATURITY
One may indeed possess the gift of prophecy, but it may be unrefined! (This may have been the case with the person I mentioned earlier.)
One may be a gifted pianist or athlete, too, but with no practice and self-control we can only gain glimpses of potential.
The same Spirit who brings about "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" [Gal. 5:22] brings about the prophetic. If these character traits are not present, then the gift of prophecy will remain raw and fruitless.
The fruit of the Spirit is basically a qualitative description of love (see also 1 Cor. 13:4-7 for parallels). So consider Paul's stern warnings against that which does not result from love:
Love must govern and drive the prophet and the prophetic.
One may be a gifted pianist or athlete, too, but with no practice and self-control we can only gain glimpses of potential.
The same Spirit who brings about "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" [Gal. 5:22] brings about the prophetic. If these character traits are not present, then the gift of prophecy will remain raw and fruitless.
The fruit of the Spirit is basically a qualitative description of love (see also 1 Cor. 13:4-7 for parallels). So consider Paul's stern warnings against that which does not result from love:
"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." [1 Cor. 13:2]Thus love-less prophecy is worthless prophecy. There may be a seed or glimmer of God's voice, but it is ineffectual.
Love must govern and drive the prophet and the prophetic.
The test of RELIABILITY
Returning to the first thought on this post, the prophet must be reliable.
We read in Deuteronomy 18:22, "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."
The simple idea is that when a prophet is consistently inconsistent they are, at best, being presumptuous (or undiscerning, as in the previous test) or, at worst, they are false.
This is why we should be wary of those who have made misleading forecasts--and even use forecasts as opportunities to determine the validity of the one making them. This is not un-belief, but biblically sanctioned wisdom.
(Incidentally, this is why we should take with a grain of salt the premonitions of psychics and the like. Most of their pronouncements are vague enough to self-fulfill, and the rest tend to be so numerous that some are bound to come true. This is not prophecy, and it is unfortunate how many Christian public figures fit this description.)
We read in Deuteronomy 18:22, "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."
The simple idea is that when a prophet is consistently inconsistent they are, at best, being presumptuous (or undiscerning, as in the previous test) or, at worst, they are false.
This is why we should be wary of those who have made misleading forecasts--and even use forecasts as opportunities to determine the validity of the one making them. This is not un-belief, but biblically sanctioned wisdom.
(Incidentally, this is why we should take with a grain of salt the premonitions of psychics and the like. Most of their pronouncements are vague enough to self-fulfill, and the rest tend to be so numerous that some are bound to come true. This is not prophecy, and it is unfortunate how many Christian public figures fit this description.)
The test of RECALCITRANCE
The final test may actually be the reason I've written on this subject at all. When Stephen spoke to the Synagogue of the Freedman and before the high priest [Acts 6-7], we're told that those who argued with him "could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke." [v.10]
Stephen spoke by the Spirit and with power, yet at one point in his discourse we discerns the hearts of his hearers and declares,
This is descriptive of non-believers.
Yet believers are also warned about this very thing, "Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt."[1 Thes. 5:19-20]
One test we must put to the prophetic is that of our own recalcitrance: spiritual obstinacy.
The prophetic comes from without. It is God's unique and piercing perspective. Often is it for consolation. It can be disclosing, convicting, condemning. But it is always not our perspective.
God employs the prophetic when our perspective is too limited, thus we must ask ourselves whether we are willing to have our perspective grow and be challenged.
Thus a prophet may say something to us we deem "too good to be true", and thus disregard a powerful word from God for our healing.
Remember what Habakkuk said, "Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." [1:5]
Maybe what we're told is very inconvenient, viz. Haggai:
Much, much more could be written on this topic. (Dissecting the various words associated with the prophetic is itself quite fascinating.)
But that is for another time, and maybe another person. I've said much of what I have to say on this topic, and now I venture into that realm of seeking to apply these truths.
You're welcome to come.
The final test may actually be the reason I've written on this subject at all. When Stephen spoke to the Synagogue of the Freedman and before the high priest [Acts 6-7], we're told that those who argued with him "could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke." [v.10]
Stephen spoke by the Spirit and with power, yet at one point in his discourse we discerns the hearts of his hearers and declares,
"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!" [7:51]I would argue that this is the sin of blasphemy: the disposition of heart not to listen to the Spirit whatsoever.
This is descriptive of non-believers.
Yet believers are also warned about this very thing, "Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt."[1 Thes. 5:19-20]
One test we must put to the prophetic is that of our own recalcitrance: spiritual obstinacy.
The prophetic comes from without. It is God's unique and piercing perspective. Often is it for consolation. It can be disclosing, convicting, condemning. But it is always not our perspective.
God employs the prophetic when our perspective is too limited, thus we must ask ourselves whether we are willing to have our perspective grow and be challenged.
Thus a prophet may say something to us we deem "too good to be true", and thus disregard a powerful word from God for our healing.
Remember what Habakkuk said, "Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." [1:5]
Maybe what we're told is very inconvenient, viz. Haggai:
"'Thus says the LORD of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.' Then the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, 'Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways.'" [1:2-5]I'd like to suggest that ignorance and ignoring of the prophetic constitutes a gaping hole in the lives of believers and the life of the church as a whole. Were we to take the role of the prophet and the prophetic into account and give it the weight given to it in Scripture, I believe we would find new sources of strength, wisdom, direction, life!
Much, much more could be written on this topic. (Dissecting the various words associated with the prophetic is itself quite fascinating.)
But that is for another time, and maybe another person. I've said much of what I have to say on this topic, and now I venture into that realm of seeking to apply these truths.
You're welcome to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment