Called to Prophesy

January 31, 2021 Background Scripture: Luke 2:36 – 38; Acts 1:12 – 14; 2:16 – 21; 21:8 – 9 Lesson Passage: Luke 2:36 – 38; Acts 2:16 – 21; 21:8 – 9 There are times when we should distinguish between prophesying and proclaiming. When the scriptures speak of prophets and prophetesses, they are typically presented as those who spoke revelations from God. Proclaimers are often depicted as those who speak what God has already spoken—especially through the prophets. It is worth noting that the Background Scripture present prophets and prophetesses—i.e., men and women who were called to speak words of revelation from God. Those who are called to prophesy can only do so by accurately discerning the voice of God. Prophecy often carries a dual meaning. It carries a message for the original recipients that was clearly understood, and it made sense to them. The message applied to their time and circumstances. The prophetic word also carried a timeless message that would speak truth to generations to come beyond the original recipients. The circumstances of the original recipients bear no effect on the meaning of the message for future recipients. Those who are called to prophesy cannot get bogged down by either message. They speak the word of God as He gives it to them. The recipients are to take heed to what is spoken. Whether one received the message directly from a prophet or prophetess, or whether one heard the message later, the word of God is timeless and speaks to the hearer. Any calling of God on a person’s life is extremely significant. The call to prophesy carries an extra burden. There is no room for error. One must clearly hear the voice of God, and one must clearly speak in the hearing of others what was heard. This must be done without adding or subtracting anything from the message. Like a mailman, it is not necessary to know what is in the envelope to deliver it. Nor is it necessary to know who inside the residence is the intended recipient. Once the message is delivered, the assignment has been completed in many cases. However, in some cases, the prophets were asked to demonstrate or live out the message as well as proclaim it. This is another reason one should not take it upon themselves to step into the prophetic office without God inviting you in. There is another point to be made from the Background Scripture. God calls whomever He wants to call. On the day of Pentecost, Peter reminded the crowd about the prophecy spoken by Joel. God promised to: “pour out of His Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” This should answer the gender question that some have wrestled with over the years. People don’t call people to preach; and neither do people get the privilege of approving or disapproving of someone’s preaching. God anoints and God appoints whomever He chooses. We should exercise caution whenever someone purports to declare the word of God. If we reject the messenger, we will in essence reject the message as well. On the other hand, we are admonished to try the spirits to be sure they are of God. I don’t know if there is any true revelation knowledge being spoken today. What is heard may be a revelation to the hearer, but it may already be recorded and spoken of in the bible. Today, God chooses to speak to the world through those He has anointed to be His mouthpiece. They are called to prophesy Robert C. Hudson December 7, 2020