Introduction
Visiting a then mentor, who had seen several revivals in Pakistan under his ministry, he commented that “prophetic preaching” would bring revival to Australia. Do we need “revival”, and what did he mean by “prophetic preaching”? Let me answer in reverse order.
Prophecy Today
One narrow, though helpful, understanding of prophecy distinguishes “forthtelling” from “foretelling”. Paul describes the results of prophesying as “upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” (1 Corinthians chapter 14 verse 3), without any reference to prediction. The source of our contemporary confusions about prophecy has to do with the place of Jesus. Tragically, many teachers ignore this climactic verse concerning prophecy in the Bible, “the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy” (Revelation chapter 19 verse 10). Even if a person should accurately announce in advance a natural disaster, if they do so in a way that does not honour the Lordship of Christ in “all things” (Colossians chapter 1 verse 16), they must be counted as a false prophet (Deuteronomy chapter 13 verses 1-5; 1 John chapter 4 verses 1-6). The “testimony/witness of Jesus” both originates from Jesus and points to him in a way that is faithful to all the Holy Spirit’s inspired words in Scripture about the Son of God. I used to teach my students to apply this “Jesus test” to everything. Many were traumatised by the results. To proclaim and promote the centrality, sufficiency and supremacy of Christ in all things is the essence of prophecy. Our problem is that pastor-teachers have excluded prophetic-teachers.
Pastor or Prophet
Scripture clearly teaches that when Jesus, “ascended far above all the heavens…11…he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians chapter 4 verses 10-12). These five gifts have different emphases. Whilst one expects a pastor/shepherd, in the likeness of “Good/Great Shepherd” (John chapter 10 verses 11-16; Hebrews chapter 13 verse 20), to be intimately acquainted with the sufferings of the sheep of their flock, the prophetic voice will be focussed on ever enlarging the majesty of the Son of God in the eyes of his Bride. This came out in some comments I emailed to a pastor friend recently.
Completed Humanity
Whereas in a sermon he repeatedly referred to “humanity” in its weakness and unreliability, my mind was drawn to the perfected humanity of the Son of God. Whereas he seemed to have self-doubts, I was reminded that we the Church “in Christ have been brought to fullness (in him who) is the head over every power and authority.” (Colossians chapter 2 verse 10). If we look inward, we will become undone by our personal lack of faith, but we are exhorted to look to Jesus as “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2). Christ has had faith for us, even when we lack it. Praying before the tomb of Lazarus the Son of God said as our representative, “‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me…” (John chapter 11 verses 41-42). An examination of Jesus’ prayers reveals something quite remarkable.
A Whole Life
On the threshold of the cross as his soul is destabilised by his impending death, we hear, “‘Father, glorify your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ (John chapter 12 verses 27-28). The Father is completely certain Christ’s work on earth will be completed. This is a certitude the Spirit shares with Jesus who testifies prophetically prior to his Passion, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” (John chapter 17 verse 4). No wonder Paul boldly testifies, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” (2 Timothy chapter 1 verse 12).
Conclusion
Those with a prophetic voice see all things through the lens of the finished work of Christ. And so they see that the people of God have come to share “all things” in him (1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 21-23). As men and women who see God’s kingdom coming through a telescopic lens prophets see that everything is “near”. Revival means the whole Church being awakened to share in their seeing. ““Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”” (Ephesians chapter 5 verse 14).