[Look up the verses in your Bible or click the link above to read online at BibleGateway.com]
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit,
especially prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:1
Paul gives us a great understanding of prophecy and its importance to the church in this passage. According to the world, and for most of us, we define prophecy as being able to know what's going to happen in the future, but that's not all it is.
The gift of prophecy is a gift of revelation, an understanding of God's Word and its connection to what's going on in the world around us. It is a Spirit-given gift, which works actively with the Spirit. When we listen, seek, pay attention to the Scriptures, the gift of prophecy allows us to see the Word and God's Way laid out in the world before us. We begin to see God's Word made flesh. Through revelation of His Word, we can begin to live as He calls us to.
All Believers should eagerly desire to be prophets and all Believers have the capacity to receive this gift. Prayerful attention to Scripture is a way to seek this gift. Every time we ask God to explain a passage or verse in the Bible, one He's brought to our attention, and every time we receive revelation --- one of those Ah-ha moments --- we've experienced the gift of prophecy. When you share your revelation with another... guess what? You're a prophet!
Prophecy is not to be confused with increased education or the seeking of knowledge or using our own intellect to figure out what the Word is telling us. Prophecy is an ask and wait endeavor. Yes... sometimes God directs us to other sources, or provides insights through messages and songs, but it never comes from figuring it out on our own. It is called revelation because it is revealed. Not explained, not discovered. Revealed. One moment you don't see it, don't understand it, the next moment... like the unveiling of a work of art... it's there before you. I see!
The Word warns us over and over not to lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Not to be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:7, 26:12), after all the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God (1 Corinthians 1:20).
I do not believe God gave us an intellect because He expects us to figure out problems for ourselves. Or to work out what He's trying to say to us through Scripture and the world on our own. He knows sin has broken our capacity to understand and reason, darkened our minds (Romans 1:21-22). He gave us an intellect so we could enter into relationship with Him... we are made in His image in order to relate. Only through relationship can we receive revelation.
Paul tells us to follow the way of love. Prayerfully seeking Him and an understanding of His Way through the Word is the best way to pursue Him. And when you do, I don't think you can help but receive revelation. Especially when your motive is love of Him and His people.
Lord, I ask today, for the gift of prophecy.
I so want to understand You better, love You more,
and be able to share truth with Your people.
Let it be so! Amen!
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