To begin, it may be helpful to say what prophecy is not. The common understanding is that prophecy has something to do with foretelling the future. This definition suggests that the one telling the future has some special insight about things to come. If that were so, then he would have to meet the qualifications of being correct 100% of the time (Jeremiah 28:9). That disqualifies most self appointed prophets. Prophecy is a message sent by God. It can come through men or by angels. (At one time it came through a donkey. That should keep most of us humble).God used men that He called prophets to deliver special messages that His people needed to hear. The biblical definition of a prophet is “One who declares God’s message” The message is true because it is sent from God. Many of these messages do not pertain to future events except for the fact that they are warnings of consequences or blessings that may occur. The prophet does not interpret the message unless that is part of the prophecy. He merely speaks what God has said and nothing else. Those messages that are future have nothing to do with the prophet and his ability to discern deep messages.
The purpose of prophecy is generally two-fold; to declare God’s message and to prepare God’s people for what is to take place. Perhaps it may seem like an oversimplification but necessary to keep the prophetical message simple and practical
Happy is the man that God chooses to declare His truth. God has chosen him and he is found worthy for God to use. May I encourage all to be faithful and available to speak His Word.
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