Prophecy V / How?

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.

Jesus & the Inner Child

There is a fascinating episode in Jesus' life, the meaning of which has long eluded me. And though I can't claim to understand it thoroughly, I've landed on an implication.

The Gospel writer Mark puts it like this:

"And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them,'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.'" [Mk. 10:13-15]

Here we see people bringing children to Jesus, and being rebuked by his disciples. Impassioned, Jesus intervenes. "Let the children come to me!" And here's the astounding part, "for to such belongs the kingdom of God."

Jesus goes on to say something that he hints at elsewhere, "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

In Matthew's Gospel, we read that we must "turn and become like children" in order to enter the kingdom at all! [Matt. 18:3] He is calling all adults to a form of repentance!

What can this mean?

I believe Jesus is alluding to what has come to be known as "the inner child."