προφητεία - Tell It Forth

Prophecy - προφητεία - is "forth-telling" rather than just "fore-telling."

It is speaking truth forward in proclamation and even in speaking encouragement toward a future reality that is understood through insights that God gives.

It is not clairvoyance or mere prediction. It is laying out a reality and applying a scriptural promise in a setting or to a people who need the a word of hope and promise.

It is an interpretive gift that creates an "aha!" moment in the heart of the hearer who is truly prepared by God to receive the message.

True prophecy begins with what God wants to say to a person, people, or situation, usually flows directly from scripture and always in accordance with scripture, is surgically applied, and is received with recognition. It is not fortune telling and it will not help you win the lottery, but it can encourage a discouraged heart and edify a wounded soul.

The world has always been indifferent and hostile to the values of those who center their core convictions in the prophetic and merciful Word of God. That will continue and so will our mandate to speak truth to power, stand with the oppressed, be misunderstood, be in a minority, and be faithful to truth.

No political system represents us.

We are sojourners, We are peculiar people.

We pray for our leaders and pray with hope that hearts and policies can be shaped by truth. We also must hold every system accountable for justice in unpopular causes and for marginalized people who are mistrusted and hated. Whoever you supported leading up to yesterday, you have a big job ahead if you will truly follow Jesus in the areas of His biases - to pray - act- speak - and sometimes resist. Our King is in the midst and He is King.

"God has taken his place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
'How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.'"

(Psalm 82:1-4 ESV)