Nougat 1

So, recently I was part of a planning meeting for an international online meeting. We had opted for interpretation for reach, based on the theme. For efficiency, we needed to know the number of speakers, talking points (or scripts), and the original languages from which interpretation would be made. Of course, there are other logistical details; but having the experience of working through those mentioned are helpful for thinking about today’s Holy Nougat

“He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.”

1 Corinthians 12:10 NLT

As noted in the introduction, preparing for an event requiring interpretation requires making detailed logistical plans in advance. And, though we might take it for granted, God does all that for us ‘naturally’. By blessing us with the gift of Interpretation of Tongues, God’s already made all the logistical arrangements and opted to include us in the details. We might thus be gifted for a moment or a season, but whatever the reason we provide clarity to a Word given in an unknown tongue.

The necessity for interpretation is clarified by the Pauline writer in 1 Corinthians 14. Most notably, we see that the Gift of Tongues is intended as a sign for those Not yet in the body of Christ. And if the tongues being spoken is not common to those persons; Interpretation provides the bridge. Likewise, it stands to reason that if tongues are spoken prophetically among believers, then we ought to have interpretation.

Although it is recommended that the one who speaks in tongues asks to be given the ability to interpret; I believe it gives God more glory when someone else interprets. In these times when there are several counterfeits claiming to operate by God’s Spirit, a confirmatory word helps.

I recall being in a context of tongues and interpretation once, where the person spoke under the anointing for a few days only in tongues. The persons gifted with Interpretation basically were with that person and even sometimes had to seek clarification – all in the Spirit. It was a sign for both the believing and others. But mostly I would say, it was also for the ones given the gift.

Yes we can speak in unknown tongues to God; and for God in a gathered assembly. Where tongues are intended for others from God, there SHOULD BE interpretation. These are two sides of an intricate coin. May God’s will be perfected in us as we minister.

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May all we seek be found in Christ