Final Thoughts on the Prophetic Word

As we conclude this particular series on the prophetic word, we look backward at the advent of THE Word and forward to the return of Christ. I have some final thoughts that have kept me through the years. They come from John, chapter one, verses one through five.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."

Many seek to hear a word from God, whether personal or for our nation. First, however, remember our beginning premise: the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus. Jesus, the incarnate Word of God, is the Eternal One. He is that which forms every word, declares it, and breathes life into it. From the very beginning, He has been the active cause, bringing all that has come forth by the mouth of the Lord into existence. What He proclaims brings life and light, for it springs forth from His very Being!

The words given and received today must begin and end in Him. He is to have the first and last say in everything we say and do, as followers of Him. When we feel that we need "a word" or we desire to operate by giving "words," we would do well to remember that, as His people, we have already been given the definitive "Word," in the person of Jesus Christ. There is no "But I just want," in the prophetic. It has nothing to do with you. The prophetic is all about what Christ is saying and what He wills.

Interestingly, our ability to act accordingly depends entirely on whether His Light is illuminating our path. If we have not yet died to our desires, the flesh colors our testimony, and, in our darkness, we are unable to comprehend the magnificent Word that sets us and others free. Oh, that we would shine like stars in this crooked and perverse generation! Paul says it this way:

"Do all things without grumbling and disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life." (Eph. 2:14-16).

We must give strong attention and heed what The Word is saying and be the echo of Christ in this world. It is almost as if Paul is reiterating the Lord's word to Danie in which He states, "Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." (Dan. 12:3).

The purpose of the prophetic word is to introduce Christ into situations and circumstances in people's lives, the church, and the world. Therefore, it is to act prudently and speak wisely the mind of Almighty God, our speech repeating in the earth heaven's counsel and allowing heaven's Word to reverberate throughout the world.

During this season, people's hearts are open to hearing the song of the redeemed. In this world of darkness, they are looking for the star that will lead them to their Redeemer. As we remember the first advent of the Lord and look with great expectation towards His second, are we declaring with heaven what the first messengers proclaimed? "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today, in the city of David there has been born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11). In a frightened and hurting world, are we declaring the presence of Emmanuel, God with Us? Are we letting our light shine to the end that men will glorify our Father? Are we echoing "Peace on earth" as we proclaim the Word has come? This is what the prophetic word does through our lives: it testifies to Jesus, stepping down into our darkness, forsaking His glory, and lighting our world with His person.

As we close out the year 2021, may we spend the remainder of it prophesying the greatness of our God and His presence into the lives of those with whom we come in contact. May many return to the Lord their God and add their voices to our own as we call out "Come!" and testify to Christ's imminent return! (Rev. 22:12-18).