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PROPHETIC WORDS |
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Written by Robin Daniel Morrison
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PROPHETIC WORDSPrescription for Healthy Practice & How to Process Platformed Prophecies
Robin Daniel Morrison, MA
We hear them on television and at conferences; we read them in articles and on websites. How do we as the church and individual believers respond to “prophetic announcements” regarding future events, supposed “divine judgments or directions” and purported prophetic comments and perspectives of God via high profile figures in the church? How do we handle “unfulfilled” words or “competing” words that appear at opposition with each other? How does the average Christian negotiate the geography of “prophetic” terminology, coded language, claims of authenticity and validity? The scope of this article is not to debate the validity of prophetic gifts or even certain prophetic personalities/ministries. Rather, what do we do with the information communicated and couched as “Words or Warnings from God?”
I believe in the operation of the gift of prophecy for today. I have received many meaningful and grace ministering prophetic words of truth, life, hope, promise and deliverance. Words of knowledge and Wisdom that faithful and humble servants have offered to me that let me know God sees me, is intimately involved and concerned about happenings in my life, and cares for me as His child. The Bible warns us NOT to “despise prophetic utterances” (1 Th 5:20). The next verse (21) says, “examine everything carefully.” This doesn’t mean reject everything prophetic or cower in fear or confusion. It is an active invitation 1) to test, examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metalworkers do with metal substances and 2) to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy.
The Bible calls a healthy view of who we are and who God is as the “fear of the Lord.” This is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7). There is a growth to our discernment that happens as we read, are changed by and washed in the Word. Hebrews 5:13, 14: “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. [NAS]” I Cor 14:29 Two or three should speak God's Word. The other people should listen and decide if they are speaking right (New Life). Now, you may argue that this is for the assembled church congregation but there is a principle of accountability and discernment here related to all situations.
I actively minister in prophetic gifting. That said, it is an unfortunate reality that the gift of prophecy is misused and abused as a platform for personal and “political” persuasion. At the very least it has been seen as a marketing ploy to garner involvement and support for a cause or program. For example: “Prophetic Intercession” versus just “plain old boring” intercession; “Prophetic Worship” versus “been there done that.” Ephesians 5:18-20 tells us to “be filled by the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for each other. “
Certain mentalities and worldviews frame the operation and interpretation of prophetic words. We process these words through our own filters…
• How we see God’s Divine Master plan
• The role of church and the world at large both as culture (where we live and function in on a daily basis) and Spiritual reality (The World, the Flesh, the Devil 1 Jn 2:15-17) and
• Our place in all the aforementioned
Often, our boredom, the need for emotional arousal, a cultural addiction to the “new and now” (including eschatology end times signs/wonders) and the “spiritually orgasmic experience” sets up both the deliverer and receiver of prophetic words to seek and speak that which lacks wisdom, fruit, “unction and authoring” of the Spirit. We as Westerners have a cultural need to always be in the “know” with information and the “future” (thus eschatology is the “bent” of prophetic discussions). The “foretelling” (future events) eclipses the “forth-telling” (the Father’s heart revealed now). A lack of connection and commitment in a caring community (where we make our hearts known in the safe, intimacy of fellowship and thus develop a relationship of growth and grace with our Heavenly Father) disposes us to seek out recognition and identification with certain personalities, Para-church ministries and platforms where we will be noticed or spoken to in a “prophetic” manner.
If you read and listen there is an identifiable prophetic dichotomy of “bad news” (judgment, wrath, horrific natural disasters, wars, the church under assault, diabolically organized anti-Christian schemes, etc.) and “abundant blessings” (end time revival, power, increased outpouring, miracles, wealth, prosperity) and somewhere in this is a fusion of coming signs and wonders or prophetic interpretation of present events. Sometimes the deliverer of such words identifies with and appeals to apostolic mantles and Old Testament prophetic offices or secret, divinely revealed keys of third heaven experiences. Just as an aside, it always amazes me that there is one verse ( 2 Cor 12:2) by Paul referencing this experience ( 2 Cor 12:1-10). His comment (versus 4 & 5): “and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak.” And then concludes with, “but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.” Hmmh. . . . By the way, Jesus mentions earthquakes, wars, rumors, famines, terrible signs, pestilence/plagues as precursors to his return (Mt 24:7; Mk 13:8, Lk 21:11). Yet, I don’t see these types of prophetic words including suffering and martyrdom or exhorting us to hope, patient endurance and kingdom commission. [Information on the “Prophetic” drawn from Vineyard Conference notes and/or lecture notes given by John Wimber, 1989 Mercy Publishing]
The following represents some condensed biblical information. This info. is not meant to be an exhaustive or detailed explanation, but references in which to frame our discussion.
• The bible identifies several “prophetic forms or messages:
o Oracle (Acts 13:1-3)
o Exhortation (Acts 15:30-35)
o Prayer (Luke 1:67-69, Ezra 9:6-15, Neh 9:6-37)
o Song (Dt. 32:1-43, 2 Pet 1:21)
o Personal (Acts 21:10)
o Visions (Rev 4:1-3)
o Action (Jer 27:2-3)
• There are different “levels of operating” in the prophetic:
o Simple (all)
o Gifting (public action)
o Ministry (commissioned by church)
o Office (God elected)
• The gift of prophecy in the New Testament is defined and operates as
o Cor. 14:1, 3 Pursue/Press Forward/Suffer love, yet desire earnestly spiritual {gifts,} but especially that you may prophesy. But one who prophesies speaks to men for:
1. edification (fem verb)“building-up” a dwelling, family, home, house/temple
2. exhortation “encouragement” to call near, invite, implore, console, pray
3. consolation “comfort” to relate near, encourage, to be beside
4. maturing (katartismos = complete furnishing) empower/equip for service, instruct, learn, maturing (1 Co 14:31) teach/instruct with tenderness
5. Conviction upon unbeliever/unlearned, sign of God among us (1 Cor 14:22-25)
[Referenced from Vine’s New Testament Words]
There are lists of prophets in the New Testament (Acts 13:1, 15:32, 21:10). Prophets in the Book of Acts do foretell certain events and even some false prophets are noted (Acts 13:6; . There are numerous warnings against False Prophets, Apostles & Dreams: Deut 13:1-5; 2 Chr 18:18-21; Jer 14:14; Jer 23; Ezek. 13:3,6,7; Ecc 5:7, Zech. 10:2,3; Matt 7:15-23; Matt 24:5-14, 24; 1 Cor 14:37; 2 Cor 11:13-15; Col 2: 18,19; 2 Pet 2; Jude 1:8; 1 John 4:1-3. Acts 20:29-30. The implication of these warnings is that the operation and expression of this gift was so “abundant” in the church via the Holy Spirit through His unnamed servants that Paul had to warn the Church to use discernment because not every prophet, prophecy, dream or vision was from God even if they spoke in Jesus name. The heart of the Father is to communicate with His children and share His heart with us! John 15:15 says “I am no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.” [The Message]
There is a “process” regarding how prophetic words are communicated both from the Holy Spirit and through us.
• Revelation (how and what we receive as a word/insight/revelation from God.)
• Interpretation (using the written revealed word, the spirit of wisdom and discernment, our own experiences and the safety of the counsel of the godly/righteous to understand what is being communicated to us.)
• Application (to whom we say it, how we say it, when we say it and what we actually say.)
The gift operates through “jars of clay/earthen vessels” with personalities. Therefore, you may find an element of our own “flavor” in the process and the possibility of “polluting” any one of these steps by our own desires, agendas, biases, emotional needs and immaturity. These vessels are in process of transforming and conforming to Jesus as the Word. Be merciful to those who, in compassion and caring, are trying out their gifts in the local body. Those operating need be willing to submit to local leadership and grow through correction, trial and error. We make offerings, not pronouncements, of our prophetic words.
There is currently a dangerous trend towards ministers and ministries that lack accountability, avenues to discern/correct the words and mutual submission to the Body at large (or even a local body where they are not in charge or the source of revenue). We seem to operate in a prophetic system that makes public declarations, but never public retractions nor apologies. Overuse of the prophetic “escape” clause has abounded: “God changed his mind or everyone prayed enough so this won’t happen now.” Or, they utilize words so nebulous and unclear that they leave no avenue to discern or discuss the content nor hold the declarer of such content accountable. I find it strangely odd that certain prophetic ministers/ministries have prophetic words generically identifying disasters that are quite common to certain regions of the country/world (earthquakes – think California, hurricanes - think Florida), yet do not give dates/times or sequences/significance of these events (let alone words about disasters that have occurred in their own area of residence). There is a trend to politically infuse these words as God’s agenda, endorsement or judgment. The call of the prophetic is to reveal God’s heart: his passion for his people and a desire to connect afresh with renewed vigor in order to reveal our hearts. He sees our wounds, weaknesses, fears, bondages and desperate need for Jesus (and His long-suffering compassion toward us). He has set His affection upon us and named us as His own. James 2:13 “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. ” (NAS) Being prophetic means actively and daily being Jesus to a dying world rather than a call to weirdness, rudeness and obfuscation.
We have skewed the administrative government of the church, resulting in isolation and rejection of those with prophetic gifting rather than shepherding or walking with them as they grow in their gift. Or, we set them up to be the sole leaders and voices of the local church, if they haven’t already started their own worldwide ministry. (This is not to say all para-church ministries or worldwide focused ministries are bad or a-biblical.) If we choose not to correct or edit that which is at least immature, or say “no” to that which is at it’s worst a fleshly fabrication, then we can’t clarify and clearly hear what is authentic. God’s heart and purposes are revealed through the Church: who we are as a redeemed, transformed, loving people and what we do related to acts of compassion, kindness, mercy and justice. He does NOT want to hear just what we say and predict. Eph 3:10 “so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.”
Let’s place prophetic words in perspective. Here are some practical steps:
1) question: does it bear witness with my spirit, the Holy Spirit and the counsel of godly wisdom: Scripture
2) wait in patient endurance
3) water it in faith
4) worship the Lord
5) war over it in the Word and leave it with God to work out
6) wrestle with it in prayer – pray it back to God and thank him
7) watch with eyes of hope.
For additional clarification of the word/message/picture:
• Is it scriptural, beneficial, timely/orderly, appropriate, confirms what the Spirit has already revealed to me and other godly leaders?
• What is the person who is communicating the prophetic word conveying with their motive, attitude, body-language, tone, words?
o Even in the Old Testament words of judgment always started with Israel (the house of God for their sins; 1 Pe 4:17 “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.”) but also declared hope, healing and restoration.
• Does it call me to closer intimacy with Jesus and unity with the Body?
• Does it release renewed faith and submission to God’s will or am I filled with fear and confusion?
• Does the declarer have a track record of accuracy which includes acknowledging when the words were not fulfilled or wrong?
• Is the declarer under authority and submitted to a local body or board of elders?
• Does the ministry practice mercy and compassion in word and deed or is it solely focused on being a “trumpet of judgment and warning”?
• Are words timed to coincide with appeals for money, faith gifts, support, headlines/news already announced via media outlets?
• Is it an attempt to get you to obtain a “religious product” to avoid the outcome or obtain the “promise” of the prophetic word?
• Are the words clear and concise?
The fastest way to garner support and action via a prophetic word is to:
1) go on a “witch hunt” that espouses an organized-world-dominating-evil-hidden-anti-christian–plot
2) a building program that promises abundant returns, blessings, wealth, health, healing and dreams come true or
3) declare disasters and political retributions that fuel fear, uncertainty and an embattled, fleeing, hiding, mentality.
Yes, I believe God does warn His people and is involved in the “natural sphere” of life. I also believe God wants us focused on Him rather than prophetic words, personalities and platforms. It takes much more faith, power and humility to declare life and call God’s people to community and consecrated commitment than it does to declare spiritual warfare, judgment and death over the culture at large. We are the Salt & the Light in the world – if you don’t like the way the world is heading, get out into the world and be His hands and feet! Battle for it on your knees: we don’t wrestle against flesh & blood!
Remember that operations of prophetic gifts are
• PARTIAL (we don’t fully know or understand, and we prophesy in part; 1 Cor 13:9)
• PROGRESSIVE (God frequently adds understanding, insight, counsel and wisdom as time goes on)
• PROVISIONAL (invite us to faith/action/response as God takes action and intervention.)
There are faceless servants who are humbly offering their prophetic gifts in order to assist the local church in growing towards grace and truth. Moreover, they are assisting in fulfilling the Father’s commission to seek and save the lost, and make us one as He is One. God bless you faithful ones! God honors the hungry and the humble! There is a lot of saber rattling and background noise being designated as “profound” and “prophetic”… let us be wise and discerning. Let us grow in grace and community as we build up the local body of believers and be mission minded with our gifts and talents so as to further His Kingdom! Jesus is the One who is to receive all glory.
Robin Daniel Morrison grew up near Philadelphia in a crazy ethnic family of Irish and Italians who then moved to a rural farm and fellowship of Mennonites. He was involved in the early charismatic movements in the Catholic church and mainline denominations and has since fellowshipped and ministered among various churches, movements and denominations. This has given him a very spiritually broad and informed theological framework or just schizoid – depending on whom you talk with. He has done short term missions work in Africa, Central America, Mexico and Europe. His college background in education, sociology, counseling, medieval history and the arts include degrees from Wheaton, Columbia, College of DuPage and Cal State. He is debating whether a third Master’s Degree is better than a Ph.D. His heart and head is for a Kingdom Community that is enfolding, embracing, equipping and empowering with healthy wisdom, hands that serve and set free and a good sense of humor.
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Message and Ministry 
