How Should the Church Respond: Prophesy

Last night I got to participate in a zoom meeting with a group of close friends.  Utilizing technology to connect with others is becoming more common as we seek to spend time with those we love by practicing social distancing.  This is my tribe, my life-group, friends who have been together +20 years in fellowship.  These are the people you call when you are moving, when you have something to celebrate or to grieve.  I hope all of you reading this have those kinds of friends and have had a chance to process the new reality we find ourselves living with them.  

We needed to laugh, to cry, to share worries and how the shelter in place is affecting our lives.  We needed to pray.  To see facial expressions and hear voices was a comfort.  A few of us brought a word of scripture to share.  One friend followed up on last night’s digital hang out with a prayer via email. 

What I experienced last night was a huge encouragement to my soul and inspired my blog post today.  We need to bring intention to how to be the church to one another, and even more so when we can’t physically meet together in the same room.  So how do we do this?  What do our Christian brothers or sisters need right now? It’s prophecy.  

1 Corinthians chapter 14 covers a debate going on in the church between tongues and prophecy.  The church, being enamored with the showy gift of speaking in other languages, was bragging about their spirituality and showing off this ability as proof of their devotion to God.  Here Paul has to correct them because they weren’t actually loving others at all, they were just trying to display their own giftings.  Paul reminds them to get back to what’s important, communicating in a way all can understand and benefit from. 

But one who prophesies

In section Paul corrects their use of the spiritual gifts but 2 chapters previously, talks about our role in the body of Christ.  In verse 27-31 he talks about the role of prophet and that some have been appointed to this function within the church.  Though in the Old Testament they had a different role, in the church today they can often be thought  of like teachers of the Word of God.   Here are some definitions of what it means to prophesy:

·      explain the word of God

·      expound scriptures for the benefit of those who hear

·      build up through instruction

Though you may not be set apart by the Holy Spirit to give a sermon or expound on the aorist tense of the Greek language, you can share what scriptures you are reading and explain what you got out of it to someone else.  This will benefit the believers God has put in your circle of influence and build them up.  In that sense, all of us can prophecy and it’s what Paul instructs the church here to be mindful of doing. 

Strengthens others

What does it mean to strengthen others? To come alongside them and lend them your strength, your faith, your perspective, your hope.  It means to fortify them, to to supply what they are lacking.  One of my favorite stories of this in scripture is found in Exodus 17:12-14, where Aaron lifts up his brother Moses’s arms so the Israelites would defeat the Amalekites in battle.  We are all facing a battle of one kind or another right now.  How can you lend your strength?  Remember, you can’t strengthen others unless you yourself are finding strength in the Lord.  Spend daily time with Him do get what you need so that you can share.  

Encourages them

Fear seems to be the common feeling we are all experiencing in varying degrees.  To encourage literally means “to give courage.”  Who do you know who is afraid? What scripture can you share to literally help them battle fear in their life?  Do you have fears?  Read out to a friend and ask how they are getting through this time.  Look up fear in a concordance and read verses, allowing the Holy Spirit to provide through renewing your mind.  

Comforts them

Sharing scripture, that has comforted you in the past, is a great way to comfort others.  Not only do you get to explain how God has been gloried in the verse you share, you get to share part of your story as well.  Use empathy and sympathy.  Think about how others are feeling, can you relate?  Minister by the gift of presence.  Like Job’s friends in the ash heap (Job 2:13) reach out to your friends, even if you don’t have the answers, show you care.  2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us to share the comfort we have received from God with others.  

Today’s challenge: Think of a scripture God has used to bring strength, encouragement, or comfort to your life during the COVID outbreak.  Pray and ask God who to share it with.  Connect with them and explain why you thought of them and what the verse means to you.  In this way, you are building up the church and living out what it means to prophesy.