But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words. For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel: …” Acts 2:14-16 (WEB)
Words of God spoken through a prophet = prophecy. ‘Prophecy’ is a tricky concept. Many think of it like divine fortune-telling. Literally thousands of books, even a few movies, have been created about prophecy – truth or deception.
In my observation of the prophets in the Bible, their life is not one to be envied! They did not do well with their families and neighbors. Most were shunned by those they thought would love them – many were even killed. Often the message that God had for them to deliver would cause a murderous response!
My husband, Henry, wrote some pamphlets and two of them are about The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts: Prophecy.  I hope you will take a few minutes this week and read them. He explains these subjects so well. Gives me some things to consider in my spiritual walk.
Remember how Paul said to not respond to prophecy with contempt but to “test” everything and hold on to what is good; avoid evil. Hold on to those things that glorify Jesus and build His Kingdom. Walk away from everything else. I do not have to argue or convince some that they are wrong. I just walk away and keep focus on what is “good”.
- ‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams.
- Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 2:17-20 (WEB)
