The Gift of Prophecy is a wonderful gift from God through which He speaks to us through others.
“Thus says the LORD: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed,” (Isaiah 56:1).
This is an example of a prophetic utterance that came through the Prophet Isaiah. There are many such examples in the Holy Bible:
“Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you in the womb and will help you: Do not fear…” (Isaiah 44:2a).
Since the beginning, God has used this gift to speak to His people. Prophecy is God speaking to man—an utterance from the Living God.
“While we were staying there for several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. He came to us and took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands with it, and said, ‘Thus says the Holy Spirit, “This is the way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles,”” (Acts 21:10-11).
Christian prophecy involves men and women moved by the Holy Spirit to speak forth the mind and counsel of God. It is a manifestation of the Spirit.
“…to another prophecy…” (1 Corinthians 12:10b).
The Power and Purpose of Prophecy
Real prophecy can powerfully change our lives. It is always revealing, exciting, and refreshing. Christian prophecy is not only ‘foretelling’ but also ‘forth-telling.’ This gift involves not just speaking about the future but also ‘speaking forth’ the oracles of God.
“…those who prophesy speak to other people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation,” (1 Corinthians 14:3).
God had spoken through the Prophet Joel: “Then afterward, I will pour out my spirit… and your sons and daughters shall prophesy…” (Joel 2:28a).
As we approach the end of the age, this gift will become more common. God will grant this gift to many people, allowing Him to speak through their tongues.
The Role of Prophecy in the Church
“The Lord GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:8b).
The New Testament tells us that the gift of prophecy builds up the Church. “…but those who prophesy build up the church,” (1 Corinthians 14:4b).
The gift of prophecy is not something we speak out of our own knowledge or experience. Instead, moved by the Spirit, we speak:
“…because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God,” (2 Peter 1:21).
The Importance of Prophetic Words
The prophetic words are so important and powerful that the Holy Bible says, “So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,” (2 Peter 1:19).
As lamps shine in darkness, prophetic words given to us or by us act as a guiding light in our or others’ lives. Until the darkness fades and a new day dawns, we or they must hold on to the Word spoken to us or them.
Characteristics of True Prophecy
A true prophetic word will encourage us. It will comfort us and build us up, edifying us. The prophetic words are so important that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “Do not despise the words of prophets,” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).
The Voice of Prophecy
The voice of prophecy will reveal to us things to come. It will also reveal past wounds that need healing and the snares of the devil we may be walking into. Additionally, it will reveal the keys to our miracles and the false friendships we are holding on to.
The Power of Prophecy and Other Spiritual Gifts
The gift of prophecy is a powerful gift from the Spirit of God. The Word of Knowledge, the Word of Wisdom, the Gift of Discerning of Spirits, the Gift of Faith, Healing, Deliverance, and Miracles also operate through this gift.
God, in His infinite love, speaks to us through this gift. Paul encourages us to ardently desire the gift of prophecy because he understood its usefulness. “So, my friends, be eager to prophesy…” (1 Corinthians 14:39).
Prophecy in Personal and Intercessory Prayer
We all love our cell phones because we enjoy hearing what others have to say. Similarly, this gift enables us to know what God wants to tell us through others. Prophecy involves standing in the Council of the Lord, seeing and hearing His Word, and then proclaiming it to the people (Jeremiah 23:28).
You can prophesy during personal prayer, speaking out the words the Holy Spirit reveals to you about people, families, and nations, thus bringing blessings into their lives. You can proclaim these words over their lives, even if they are not present.
You can also prophesy during intercessory prayer, whether alone or with others. Intercession coupled with the prophetic word is powerful; it creates life where there is none.
The Role of Prophecy in World Events
Before great events occur in the world, they are first heard in prophecy. God first speaks to His people about them.
“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets,” (Amos 3:7).
Prophecy is from God, and we prophesy exactly what He gives us to say—nothing more and nothing less.
