Prophet

"He came over, took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’”
Acts 21:11

Today we’re probably more comfortable with the term “prophetic” than with the title “prophet.” A prophetic speech may move us to action. We wonder whether prophets even have a place in God’s plan for this age. The title raises vivid pictures of Old Testament figures who railed at conditions around them in the name of God. Come to think of it, we could use a few prophets today.

Agabus holds the distinction of being one of the few named prophets in New Testament times. He predicted a severe famine that would affect Judea, and he foretold Paul’s imprisonment in Jerusalem. His prophecies were specific, unavoidable, and verified. They were not intended as warnings. Rather, they offered knowledge that could be used to prepare the right response.

The prophecies Agabus spoke made a difference. In the first instance, Agabus’s prophecy stirred the church into a relief action for the believers in Judea (see Acts 11:27-30). In the second, Agabus provided Paul with a glimpse of God’s plan for him. Paul was present when Agabus gave his first prophecy. His accuracy caused Paul to believe the personal prediction Agabus later gave him.

While Paul’s companions saw the future difficulties as a danger to be avoided, Paul saw Agabus’s prophecy as a challenge to be embraced. He turned into the storm rather than running for shelter.

Friends exercise a prophetic role when they share their picture of our future and allow us to decide how to respond. Sometimes a glimpse of the future should cause us to detour. If a certain habit or behavior leads to destruction, a friend who points that out may help us change and therefore avoid possible ruin.

Usually, however, prophecies (in the biblical sense of the term) are not conditional; they are statements of fact. Whether they concern a personal challenge, like Agabus’s prophecy about Paul, or a general prediction, like the coming of the famine which Agabus also announced or the coming of Christ which he promised,the point of a prophecy is to prepare someone, not direct them to avoid the inevitable.

Prophets prepare people. How are you responding to the prophetic voices in your life? How are you acting on God’s prophetic Word? Maybe you aren't sure, if you would like to know more about Jesus, and the written Word of God, the Bible, then click on the frontline church link on this page. If you need prayer, or just someone to talk with contact me directly; rlwhitener@gmail.com Please include "prayer request" in the subject line.

Thanks for following along,
Ron L. Whitener