Outreach (VI) The secrets of the heart revealed through prophecy

There are similarities and difference between New Covenant and Old Covenant prophecy.  As we saw last day with Gideon, there are times under the Old Covenant when the prophetic word called people up, rather than out. And since under the new Covenant prophecy is for building up, encouragement and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3),  this is the predominant mode under the New Covenant. In this same passage, we  read that hearing the prophetic word in this positive  New Covenant way, that  the secrets of the unbeliever's  heart are revealed and he falls down on his knees and worships God (verse 15). Some have seen this predominantly as conviction of sin, but the response we read  is worship not repentance.

For me the issue is resolved by an old Covenant example which says a very similar thing.   When Samuel encountered Saul,  who he would anoint King, he told him “Go up before me to the high place,…. and tomorrow … I will tell you all that is in your heart.”  Samuel then gives  Saul a prophetic word and,  long story short, God gives Saul a new heart.  Saul himself stats to prophecy and  was “turned into another man” (1 Samuel 9:19-10:6).  So here again we see the Lord calling Saul up into his destiny,  through the prophetic word which revealed “all that was in Saul’s heart.”  It’s not that the sin in a persons life does not need to be dealt with. But it’s better done through the pastoral ministry in relationship (Galatians 6:1), rather than through the prophetic.

Kris Volloton tells the story of meeting two men in relationship sitting on the plane.  One of them was extremely artistic, and  into all sorts of creative art including sculpture.  The Lord gave Kris a word of knowledge about this and when he shared it with them,  they were blown away (positively).  Words of knowledge  like this help people to know they are loved and known by God. In situation like this the well know prophet  Shawn Bolz speaks words to the effect that "God loves what you do, more than you do!"  In my own life the most impactful word I have ever received spoke of my determination to go forward and not give up, and how difficult and painful that can be. It went on to emphasize that “I know you, I know you.” And this word from complete strangers certainly made me feel known and appreciated. 

Father, I am only just beginning to see the potential for evangelism through the prophetic word.  And I, and Your Church certainly have a long way to go in utilizing it to show others that  You know and love them.  You tell us Lord to desire spiritual gifts, but especially that we should prophecy. So I ask for myself this morning,  and for Your church , that You would teach us, and we would learn,  to walk in the prophetic anointing in bringing in the Kingdom on earth in Jesus Name Amen