Story of Misunderstanding
In an ancient story called "The Holy Man," a group of pilgrims are traveling across a vast desert to visit the holy shrines and temples of antiquity. After several days’ journey into the desert, they sight a great rolling cloud of dust in the distance moving toward them.
The pilgrims’ leader cries out, "I fear it is a band of murderous thieves! Quickly, let us take shelter behind that sand dune!" The pilgrims huddle together as, the cloud of dust comes closer and closer until it stops on the other side of the sand dune. The leader of the pilgrims climbs to the top, of the sand dune. There he sees a man with a long white beard who has climbed to the top on the other side. It quickly becomes apparent that neither can speak the other man’s tongue, so they resort to sign language. After communicating for a while in this manner, the white-bearded man moves quickly down his side of the sand dune anti the pilgrim leader goes back clown to his flock. There is a look of beatific rapture on his lace. "What happened’!" the pilgrims ask.
He replies, "My children, I have just met the holiest of the holy. This is what happened: When we met face to face we could not speak each other’s language, so I decided to use sign language. With my finger I drew a circle in the sand, to indicate that we are all one in this world. He looked at the circle and then he drew a line through it. He meant, of course, that there are two worlds: the earthly and the heavenly. To show him I understood, I pointed upward with my finger to indicate that we are all one under God. Then he reached into his tunic and took out an onion which he then gave to me. Of course I understood that it indicated the multiple layers of understanding available to everyone. And to show him I understood his meaning, I ate the onion. Then I reached into my tunic and offered him an egg. But he was too humble to accept my gift. He just turned and walked away. Truly, I have seen the holiest of holy men!"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the sand dune, the warriors have drawn their swords and are ready to attack the pilgrims. But their white-bearded leader says to them, "We are in grave danger. Never have I met a more blood thirsty man in my life. Here is what happened:
"When we came face to face, we immediately knew we could not speak the same tongue. That man then drew a circle in the sand. Of course I understood it to say that we are surrounded. I took my finger and I drew a line through his circle, to indicate that we would cut them in half. Then he raised his finger to the sky as if to say that he could take us on all by himself. Then I gave him an onion to suggest that he would soon taste the bitter tears of death. But he proceeded to eat the onion, in defiance. Then he handed me an egg, to show me how fragile our position is. Let’s get out of here!"
The pilgrims then went on to the holy places without further incident. Anti when they returned home they liked to talk about the beautiful temple and the shrines they had visited. But most of all they liked to talk about the day their leader met that white-bearded "holiest of the holy" on top of the sand dune.
-from "Sunday Sermons," Mar/Apr 1989/Parables, Etc. Nov. 1990
How often in life we’re reacting to the same things in different ways… different interpretation
Often true with the role of PROPHETIC INSIGHT TODAY. We can have the same different perspective as those pilgrims & warriors.
My desire is to help us find ourselves on the same page, to be united… in our love for God’s leading.
Simple definition for prophecy was used is scripture: “The revealing of God’s heart and mind to our heart and mind.”
Scripture doesn’t describe any more narrow or specific meaning
Functionally, though, we generally give
TWO LEVELS OF MEANING TO THIS WORD:
1. Broad sense of the Spirit’s inspiration, illumination, or insight
Examples - When God’s word is taught, a speaker or author brings forth a very insightful and pointed corrective, reading God’s Word and sense it’s truth speaking to us.
There is a prophetic dynamic at hand. We all experience a prophetic revelatory dynamic in life – because God’s spirit is constantly revealing the mind and heart of God. In this way, we’re called to “walk in the spirit” under His constant leading.
2. A more spontaneous Spirit inspired message or insight for the edification and
encouragement of a particular individual or group
Here’s where the church has often closed the door…
The subjectivity of such words scares us
The pretense of speaking God’s heart and mind offends us
The free reign for individuals to pass off their own agendas in the name of the Lord concerns us
Or the lack of such experience personally discourages us
Yet, despite all fear, offence, concern, or discouragement, the early church chose the way of wisdom instead… because God has chosen to trust the wisdom of his people.
Perhaps two texts help capture this best… first are the words of Peter at Pentecost…
No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:16-18 (cf Joel 2:28ff)
Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold onto the good. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
I. GOD IS SPEAKING TO OUR MINDS AND HEARTS IN A FRESH WAY
I want to suggest that a radically different experience is at hand among us than what existed for Israel in the Old Testament
A. A New Purpose
Explain: Prior to Christ…God was forging a people… priests to mediate, prophets to warn. Now the descriptions related to a prophetic dynamic change…
“for the common good” 1 Cor. 12:7
“for strengthing, encouragement, and comfort.” 1 Cor. 14:3
“edifies the church” 1 Cor. 14:4
“that everyone may be instructed and encouraged” 1 Cor. 14:31
“for the strengthing of the church” 1 Cor. 14:26
The heart of prophetic ministry becomes especially clear in 1 Cor. 12-14:
Cor 13 – love is the central goal and defining
Cor 14 – gifts that build up others are the greatest
I’ve seen four types of words in Scripture and experience:
1) Encouragement to know God’s with us
2) Counsel or insight into our life situation; often we’re seeking direction,
but God is interested in our development,
3) Direction… foretelling that releases faith to step out:
- may be an individual to share with
- a work of God to heal
- or a ministry to venture into
4) Conviction – but always specific
- Ananais and Saphira in Acts; and in which case should be
brought personally
- God will convict his people, but words of condemnation
are never from God
- The desire of God is to envision and encourage us in
our time and place
B. New Pervasiveness
In Israel’s formation, only a few select individuals were called out… ending with John the Baptist in preparation of the Messiah, but now, the greater plan of God has come forth.
As Peter stated from Joel’s prophesy: GOD HAS POURED OUT HIS SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE (word “all” in Hebrew = all; in GK = all)
It’s full of inclusiveness… sons and daughters… men and women… old and young
All who receive Christ receive his Spirit, and all who receive the Spirit receive the work of on-going revelation:
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you… when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own.; but he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and it known to you. John 14:26; 16:13-14
Thus Paul could say…
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy… Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy,… 1 Cor. 14:1, 39
Broadly given, to which some are uniquely gifted;
Given to all; especially gifted in some… that’s the truth of spiritual gifting
Illus.: Like ability to sing… all can sing… those most gifted are given a more public role – they sing solos – but all sing in various contexts.
> A radically new pervasiveness
C. A New Presumption
By this I mean there is an entirely different level of presumption about implying we have an inward leading from God for others.
Note what Paul said back in our key text in I Thess: “TEST EVERYTHING, HOLD ON TO WHAT’S GOOD.”
-- What happened to the old injunction in Israel that if a prophet
proved to be wrong they should be stoned?
In the new work of the Spirit, BOTH A PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS A POTENTIAL FOR DECEPTION ARE ASSUMED AND CALL FOR DISCERNMENT.
In the Old Testament, God’s enlistment of a people was at stake. The Holy Spirit had not been given, thus it was a time in which only the law stood to set the people apart. Therefore, the consequences were great, including death, to reflect the significance of the law as their tie to God.
Now it is Christ that sets us apart, and the Spirit resides in all people as a guide.
A FREER AND MORE FLUID COMMUNICATION IS AT HAND AND GOD ALLOWS HIS PEOPLE TO DISCERN WITH GRACE.
WHAT ARE SUCH MEANS TO DISCERNMENT?
Consistency with Scripture… with both the letter and spirit of God’s living testimony
-- Matthew 4:1-11 - Devil comes to Christ in the wilderness; uses scripture… quotes Psalms 91… which was originally a word of encouragement to David about angelic protection and now the devil turns it into a test. Jesus knows the
broader spirit of scripture is not one of setting up contrived tests to
serve our ambition.
Confirmation by Others
-- I Cor. 14:29 - Paul instructs that after no more than 2 or 3 prophetic
words are given, others should discern and agree if they bear witness
to their being from God.
-- Even notes that some have been gifted with special discernment to
distinguish such leading.
-- At least twice Paul is found disconfirming prophetic messages that
were being passed around:
• 2 Thess 2:1-2 re some claiming “the day of the Lord
has already come”
• 1 Tim 4:1-5 re some known as Gnostics claiming a need
to abstain from material pleasure
Confirmation by Objective Truth, i.e., fruit
-- Matthew 7:15-16 - Jesus warns “Watch out for false prophets. They
come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
BY THEIR FRUITS YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THEM.” (Caps added).
-- That’s not to say any of our lives are without sin, but in regards to what we
claim to be of God, it will prove itself in time.
As we look closely to what is at-hand regarding prophetic insight for today, we realized that GOD IS SPEAKING TO OUR MINDS AND HEARTS IN A FRESH WAY… with a new purpose; a new pervasiveness; and a new presumption.
We need to loose ourselves from the moorings of relating prophetic insight to that of Israel in the Old Testament.
God leads his people today, but not as He led Israel.
In the same way we offer our lives as a sacrifice to God, but not with animal sacrifices as was done in Old Testament times.
THE OLD IS A HELPFUL METAPHOR FOR THE NEW, BUT NOT A MODE FOR THE NEW.
In Christ, all the work of God changed…
Jesus became the final priest and called us into a new role as priestly people
So Jesus became final prophet, and ushered us into a new age of being a prophetic people
IN EACH CASE, JESUS BROUGHT AN END TO THE PURPOSES OF THE ROLES AS THEY HAD EXISTED BEFORE HIM, AND RELEASED A NEW WORK.
HOW CAN WE SHARE IN THAT NEW WORK OF HIS PROPHETIC INSIGHT?
II. PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES FOR PROPHETIC INSIGHT
A. Help nurture an atmosphere of process rather than presumption regarding spiritual impressions; an atmosphere of love and open to learning. Only where it’s safe to be wrong, will we learn to be right.
B. Submit all inner revelation to the letter and spirit of Scripture.
C. Maintain a humble and teachable spirit, submitted to the wisdom of counsel:
Prov. 11:14 – “In an abundance of counselors there is victory.”
Heb. 13:17 – “Submit to one another.” (A calling given throughout scripture).
Eph. 5:21 – “Obey your leaders and submit to your authority. They keep watch over you as those who must give an account.”
Paul makes clear that our submission to others is not because all authority will always be trustworthy, but because God is trustworthy and He ordains and uses the authority of others in our life.
There is one authority over this church – Jesus; it’s His church; but He leads us through our submission to others.
-- example of an elder’s discussion… prayed… waited because one…
-- example of marriages… one partner vision… the other timing…
D. Seek God in those areas for which you are responsible. (Revelation is generally given to lead us in the responsibility and subsequent authority God has ordained).
Example – 1 Tim. 4:14 – Elders of church had prophecies for Timothy were those ordaining him.
All examples of the early church’s major leadership decisions appear to have been prompted by those clearly recognized in proven prophetic leadership roles (Acts 21:10 – Agapus; Acts 13:1-7 – Sending Barnabus and Saul)…. rather than some stranger drifting along outside the community.
Next week we will expand the practical process focusing more on how we hear from God… particularly those who feel they’re “hard of hearing,” as many of us can be.
But this morning, having lifted out of scripture the place and principles of God’s prophetic ministry for today, let me close with an appeal to your heart.
I believe there are 2 words that must get a hold of us that are spoken of in conjunction with God’s prophetic insight today:
1. LOVE
-- “follow the way of love”
-- Does love for others lift your mind and heart to God?
2. EAGER
-- “eagerly desire…”
-- You and I have no responsibility to hear from God on behalf of others… but we have a
great responsibility to eagerly desire all that God would give.
Closing illustration:
Rising straight and tall some 350 feet above the sea, the beam from Gibbs Lighthouse in Bermuda can be seen 40 miles out in the Atlantic. Ships rely on the light from Gibbs as a crucial aid in navigating the vast ocean. The beacon also warns vessels of the treacherous reefs which surround the island. Although it can be seen for a great distance, the light uses only a single 1,000 watt lightbulb. The reason the beam is so strong is because of the power system of lenses and reflectors that surround the bulb. Without them, it would only cast a feeble glow. As Christians, we make little difference for God when depending on our own energy. Yet when we admit our weakness and boast only in the Lord, He greatly magnifies out gifts and testimony with a “demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Cor. 2:4).
Series: Faith, Prayer and Prophesy
PROPHETIC INSIGHT FOR TODAY
October 29, 1995 – Brad Bailey
No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.’” Acts 2:16-18 (cf Joel 2:28ff)
Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophesies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
I. GOD IS SPEAKING TO OUR MINDS AND HEARTS IN A FRESH WAY
A. A New Purpose
“for the common good” 1 Cor. 12:7
“for strengthing, encouragement, and comfort.” 1 Cor. 14:3
“edifies the church” 1 Cor. 14:4
“that everyone may be instructed and encouraged” 1 Cor. 14:31
“for the strengthing of the church” 1 Cor. 14:26
B. A New Pervasiveness
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you… when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own.; but he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and it known to you. John 14:26; 16:13-14
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy… Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy,… 1 Cor. 14:1, 39
C. A New Presumption
Both a process of development as well as a potential for deception are assumed and call for discernment
Discernment includes:
Consistency with Scripture
Confirmation by others (1 Cor. 14:29)
Confirmation by objective truth, i.e., fruit (Mt. 7:15-16)
II. PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES FOR PROPHETIC INSIGHT
1. Help nurture an atmosphere of process rather than presumption regarding spiritual impressions; an atmosphere of love and open to learning.
Only where it’s safe to be wrong, will we learn to be right.
2. Submit all inner revelation to the letter and spirit of Scripture.
3. Maintain a humble and teachable spirit, submitted to the wisdom of counsel (Proverbs 11:14; Eph. 5:21; Hebrews 13:17)
Proverbs 11:14 - “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”
Ephes. 5:21 - “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Hebrews 13:17 - “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.”
4. Seek God in those areas for which you are responsible. (Revelation is generally given to lead us in the responsibility and subsequent authority God has ordained).
