Since prophecy is a spiritual
gift, its operation is subject to the purposes of the mediating spirit and the
control of the prophet. So although God has always desired to speak with all
his covenant people, the fearful rebellion of the Israelites at Mt. Sinai led
Him to suppress this gift until Christ’s atonement opened the way for God’s
Spirit to dwell within every believer. After Pentecost, the apostles encouraged
everyone to seek prophecy even as they dealt with the practical matters of how it
should operate in meetings and how to deal with false or erroneous prophets.
Chief among practical matters
is how to judge that a message is in fact from God. Rebellious prophets and
their messages are to be dismissed. For believers, who are imperfect, the Bible
lists several tests: the Test of Time, the Test of Character, the Test of the
Spirit, and the Test by Other Prophets. Each of these tests has its weaknesses,
and care must be taken in their application.
Leaders and prophets must work
together for prophecy to operate in healthy fashion. For their part, prophets
grow to obediently and impartially deliver the messages God gives them, testing
everything and seeking revelatory insight for interpretation. Leaders take into
account the scope and the nature of each prophetic message and formulate a
response. The mutual respect required of this partnership can break down in the
face of difficult messages or opposition.
When prophecy achieves the
purposes for which God gives it, great things happen in the lives of believers,
their communities, and the spiritual world around them. Ungodly thinking,
activity, and strongholds are broken. God’s kingdom advances, and all the glory
goes to Him!
©2001 Michael Richter