June 2023
Nougat 18
My friend uses a term, ’prophesy or prophe-lie‘, which suggests that some ‘prophetic’ utterances are not of God. It is a good reminder that we ought to take today’s Holy Nougat
“Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 NLT
It’s worth noting that the apostle speaks affirmatively about prophecy. Prophetic utterances are to be taken seriously. They are named among the spiritual gifts (Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12), and obviously featured in the spirituality of the time. My theory is that then, like now, many were prophesying in God’s name and not all were true believers (remember that was the case in Israel’s monarchic era).
We are urged therefore to be like the Bereans, who studied the scriptures daily ensuring that what they heard from humans aligned with God’s Spirit and God’s Word.
As a reformed or recovering prophecy-chaser, I hasten to say that God’s got a Word that is applicable to our individual situation in God’s Word. What a prophetic word offers is confirmation, clarity, or direction. (And no, we’re not talking about ouija boards or eight ball games or Bible and key; those practices lend themselves to witchcraft and what used to be called ‘soothsaying’. We have no part in such, not even for fun).
So we don’t need to chase prophecies like groupies after their favorite band. Rather, we seek direction through our own interactions with God’s Spirit, God’s Word and with God, Who may choose to add a note of warning, encouragement and/or direction through prophecies. The themes and subjects may vary, but whatever the word, it must be verified by time, other people or scripture.
And that’s also where ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ comes in. For when we know as we are known, we can discern our way through any prophetic utterance by God’s Spirit (our promised Comforter and Advocate).
Finally, we have the Philippians 4:8-9 litmus test to keep us. If the utterance does not align with those tests in the Word, it’s time to move on. Blessings and grace to you all.
P.s Blessed Father’s Day to all fathers May your children call you blessed and your community see you as an example.
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May all we seek be found in Christ