Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts,

.... but especially that you may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1). Paul had just interrupted his discussion of spiritual gifts by the love chapter (13). He now continues, but in this verse connects spiritual gifts with love. The various translations  show the competing emphasis of the two words pursue, and desire.  The point though,  is that we are to pursue and desire love and spiritual gifts with equal vigour. The emphasis on prophecy, is because this is one very practical way to pursue love.  In particular the one who prophecies does so for edification and exhortation and comfort to others (verse 3). The three Greek nouns here are rich. In addition to the above, other translations have strengthening, building up, encouraging and  consolation. But you get the point, prophecy gives us a variety of ways to love others.

This gift of the Spirit (along with many of the other spiritual gifts) is much neglected in the church. There is even a (false) theology that concludes that spiritual gifts passed away with the completion of the New Testament. People who hold this view claim that since we have the Bible we don't need them. I mean the church is so powerful for the Kingdom right? Please excuse my sarcasm. By the way, the gifts are not just for the church, later on in this chapter Paul says concerning prophecy that  if “unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all (verse 24). It is true that prophecy has been abused at times, but as the saying goes, you don't counterfeit three dollar bills, you only counterfeit what is genuine and valuable!  We need prophecy and we need teaching on how to do this well.

The Lord has used prophecy powerfully in my own life. There was a word given to me years ago that undoes me every time I review it (it was recorded). In addition to comfort and encouragement, it confirmed my choice to follow a very difficult path, and helped me to continue on it. But it then morphed into prophecy concerning the role of the East Coast in the coming (prophesied) revival. This part of that word that was given to me, is totally consistent with other prophetic words that the Lord has given others concerning Newfoundland. All this together with the teaching that we are to contend for the prophetic word, is reminding me this morning, that I need to contend not only for my personal dreams and aspirations but for the outpouring of God's love that will come with the revival.

Father, the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force. Lord I pray that You will revive the use of the prophetic in our taking the Kingdom by force from the evil one.  Lord we are desperately in need of a practical experience of Your love poured out in our hearts.  Help us Lord to do our part in earnestly and zealously pursing both love and the gift of prophecy.  And we are petitioning You again this morning Lord, to come in Word and Power and Love, and we will give Your the honour and glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen