The Cry for Peace
I have no doubt, that every day, year, decade, and century, God continues to work out his purpose with humanity. Nothing here is new. However I don't believe God is working things out over the course of time, in the sense that he has no foreknowledge of what will happen. So when I hear prophecy about God doing a new thing, I sit up and take notice. The foretelling of new things about to happen, always seems to imply that God is going to do something of significance, something that will bring to us, good things. And the part of us that likes to fantasize about our own comfort and importance, cuddles this type of prophecy, without any concern for its truth. Furthermore, this new thing will be an example for others to follow, as our own church becomes the center of attention. This type of prophecy, normally surfaces at the beginning of each year, so it’s with some surprise to here it surface before Christmas. To be clear I have no concerns with anyone having hope for God’s blessing in the coming year, but our hope should rest on reality and truth.
This prophetic statement can only fall into one of three categories. It’s either a Prophecy directly inspired from God (with specific detail), an encouragement spoken in the spirit of prophecy (e.g. something spoken from, or relating to scripture, and within the context of the text) , or a false prophecy emanating from our own spirit (Idolatry). The likelihood of this type of prophecy being in the spirit of prophesy (encouragement, edification) is negated by the fact that it emanates from a predictive genre (God is going to do..), with a specific and intentional tone, and without any specifics to place it in a context. Any prophecy emanating from God will have specific detail, whether it be conveyed directly, or conveyed through scripture. This detail provides a test for legitimacy. The tone in this case, invokes, implies, and suggests the voice of God is behind the saying of it. One might argue it’s difficult to claim scriptural support, if God is doing a new thing, but the question of what does a "new thing" mean needs to be answered. Lack of detail and the open ended nature of this prophecy raises questions about God being the source, and from any angle this type of prophecy is highly subjective through its lack of detail. It’s without meaning or purpose, and inconsistent with the prophetic language of scripture. It concerns me that this type of prophecy generally originates from those in leadership and therefore viewed as authoritative. However, in general it appears to be treated with little regard, and rarely challenged. Its almost like the statement forms part of the annual liturgy for ushering in the new year.
The "spirit of prophecy" at its heart conveys spiritual truth, in the form of a corporate prayer, a prophetic statement, or the direct quoting of scripture. However, a Prophet will convey much greater fullness in the specific direction of Gods will, insomuch as the function of the Prophet, is as a mouthpiece for God to speak. This is sometimes conveyed in the first person, and finds its sole purpose in the spiritual maturity of the Church. This function also holds the means of testing the words spoken by a Prophet. There might be other views about a Prophets role today, but that’s a discussion for another day. God can encourage and comfort the Church, through the voice of a Prophet, just as much as he can though anyone else, but a "prophecy" should include a reason for speaking, and what needs to be addressed. Also included is direction for achieving it. Finally, a Prophets word prepares us for change, and foreshadows the will of God. This type of prophecy is not always comfortable, because it rarely includes subject matter we like the sound of. This is because edification and comfort is not the primary purpose of a Prophet, (a point rarely understood). This is why the specific detail needs to be separated and tested, without partiality over the delivery. We’re more likely to feel immediate comfort and edification through the spirit of prophecy, because that’s its purpose. But the specific detail is what distinguishes a Prophets ministry, from those speaking in the spirit of prophecy, and thus exercising the gift has a greater responsibility, for both the Prophet and the congregation. Today, most of the statements that claim a prophetic anointing (as in claiming Gods voice), do not demonstrate much in the way of detail, and thus it’s difficult to validate them as emanating from God. Whether they come true or not, is highly subjective. If we compare the tone and content of biblical Prophets with the majority of prophetic statements today, again it's difficult to find a sense of validation.
Unlike some commentators, I would argue, there is no evidence to suggest that a Prophets purpose today has changed, even though the writing of scripture has now been satisfied. Old testament Prophets were not discovering Gods will, word, and purpose, only conveying that which already was. Thus the purpose of conveying truth and direction remains the same. As stated, most of what we hear in the Church today is conveyed in the spirit of prophecy, such as corporate prayer or bible readings, and generally brings edification, comfort, and encouragement. This type of prophecy normally doesn’t require testing, even though mistakes are sometimes made. If what is said emanates from scripture, even a wrong prophecy can still be encouraging, and have little negative impact. However, we should have a considered response to prophecy that corrects and directs. If a person prophecies with little detail, and without a tone of biblical validation, what they say should be discussed, for the sake of the congregation.
One of the arguments in defense of prophecies that haven’t come true, is because they may come true, sometime in the future. This approach is dangerously naive because the motive behind an infinite approach, effectively invalidates the very idea of testing, by removing the final plumb-line of proof. Jeremiah 28:9 says that “the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the LORD only if his prediction comes true". I acknowledge that here the context of the narrative was a rebuke of those who prophecy peace, when there is no peace. They were exposed as false prophets, who didn’t hear from God, but spoke what the people wanted to hear. However, the coming true of any prophecy, is an important sign of authenticity.
Jeremiah 28:8-9 and Eze 12:22-28 underpins my reason for addressing the issue of prophecy insomuch as unfulfilled, open ended prophecy, that suggests “God is doing a new thing” falls into the same genre as those who prophecy peace, when there is no peace. The claim that God is doing a new thing, is essentially an attempt to incite hope on the basis of presumption. It has no point, no purpose, and no reason, it stands isolated from everything that might suggest God’s voice is behind it. The idea that God is going to do something new conveys the feelings of comfort we want to hear, but carries the same self-centered motive as those who spoke about peace, when there was none. Today those who claim the voice and authority of God, often position themselves as having a prophetic gift, as if this sets them apart from other Christians, but never call themselves Prophets. These people convey prophecy so obscure, it could emanate from any ideological projection. Today's prophetic voice has become a mockery, and a blight on the word of God to the Church.
Prophetic people come with different personalities so the style of delivery will vary, but content and detail will be consistent. Common experiences include spiritual isolation, and some degree of persecution. In my view a genuinely gifted Prophet will more than likely live in two worlds. One world enjoys the normal and positive aspects of life with all its ups and downs, and the other an inextinguishable sense of Gods heart for humanity. The true prophetic voice holds correction and direction in one hand, and joy and blessing in the other, but delivery is perhaps the greatest challenge today! The Church wants only peace, joy and edification, but rebuke and the correction we can do without? I would suggest that no true Prophet sees peace in God’s plan for humanity, no never peace, not until the return of Christ. There will be no peace, the Christian life is not about peace and comfort. Humanity will become increasingly evil, and life for Christians will see an increase in persecution and alienation. Some may see this as overly negative, but I would suggest the most intimate relationship of a Christian life, is found in Christ, though persecution, and rarely without it. The Prophetic gift hears the direction God wants to take us, and the process to get there. In this the pain and anguish of God is often felt by a Prophet, but also the hope, if only we might grasp hold of it. Yet we gravitate to those who prophecy peace, peace at all costs. We prophecy, God is doing a new thing! We want a benevolent God, one who makes us feel good. We’ve become so entrenched in the desire to be led, and for others to take care of us. We imagine a bold personal walk with God, but in many cases this is little more than a bucket list, waiting to be done.
