In 1 Corinthians 14:1 we read: “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” Here we are specifically told that we should focus our love and desire on exercising the gift of prophecy? Why prophecy? Because when we start to understand the importance of the Spiritual Gifts, and especially prophecy ~ that they are God’s purpose for the building of the Kingdom of God ~ then we will seek to be involved in that which pleases Him. The Gift of Prophecy is God’s way of building His Church. “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men” (1 Corinthians 14:3). Every one of us needs that “edification, exhortation and comfort” which only comes through the Holy Spirit ministry and His Gifts. Prophecy ministers to us “Spirit to spirit” and Holy Spirit ministry touches our spirit to enable us to know more clearly the purposes of God for our lives. Everywhere one goes today there is evidence of a huge need for the people of God to be built up. So much discouragement and disappointment fills the hearts of people who should be fulfilling their eternal destinies in Jesus Christ. One of the main reasons for these negativities is that far too often there is an absolute neglect of the operation of the Spiritual Gifts in our gatherings. We cannot be “edified, exhorted and comforted” in our spirits if God’s way of that happening is not happening.

 There is so much for us to impart unto others through prophesying, as well as we ourselves benefiting through our obedience to the Holy Spirit: “For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged” (1 Corinthians 14:31). The Amplified Bible puts it this way: “For in this way you can give testimony [prophesying and thus interpreting the divine will and purpose] one by one, so that all may be instructed and all may be stimulated and encouraged.”

• Prophecy is God’s way of encouraging, instructing and stimulating the people of God!

It amazes me that, in the light of Scripture, so little emphasis is placed on releasing the Body of Christ to function in Spiritual Gifts, especially the Gift of Prophecy. If Pastors and Leaders do not lead by example, teach the guide-lines, and make room for these gifts to be exercised, then there is no way that we (the people) can come to spiritual maturity and know the purposes for which He has saved us! Let us not be ignorant of Spiritual Gifts any longer! (1 Corinthians 12:1).

• Let us see that God never gives us anything that we do not need to lay a hold of and incorporate into our walk and relationship with Him. This includes the operation of Spiritual Gifts!

It has been my joy to receive many prophetic words to my life over the years, and today I am living in the fulfilment of them. Knowing the prophetic direction for my life helps me to know what to say “No” to and what to say “Yes” to. The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to prove the benefits of the prophecies that were spoken over his life (see 1 Timothy 1:18-20). He was told to “not neglect the gift that was in him, given by prophecy and the laying on of hands.” He was exhorted to “meditate on these things; give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:14-16). So why don’t we take heed to these things more than we do? Why do we seem to place so little value on Spiritual Gifts and the Prophetic Word? If we do not give ourselves in earnest desire to prophesy, then we are robbing others of the benefits of the Holy Spirit speaking through us to help them to be encouraged and instructed. Let me encourage you today to earnestly pursue the Gift of Prophecy and so be the means of edifying the body of Christ! ~ Rodney W. Francis.

Bible  Readings:  1 Corinthians 12  ~  1 Corinthians 13   ~ 1 Corinthians 14