The Gift of Prophecy
Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope
January 10, 2009
January 10, 2009
Larry R Evans
Introductory Reflections
The prophetic gift has not always been necessary but communication with God always has. While in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve enjoyed open and full communion with God. This changed when sin entered. Regardless, God has always had and still has an overwhelming desire to communicate and, when possible, be with those whom He created in His image. From the walks in the Garden to the sanctuary placed in the middle of the encampment of the Israelites to the Urim and Thummim to the anointing of prophets and, of course, coming as Jesus – the Immanuel (God with us). This gift of prophecy is in reality God’s gift of Himself for through it He desires to prepare a people to be with Him without the interruption of sin.
Reflective Discovery Questions
1. The gift of prophecy was not part of God’s original plan. True or False? [Gen 3:8,9; Num 12:6]
2. The first person called a prophet in the nation of Israel was Abraham. True or False? [Deut 34:10]
3. The gift of prophecy should give the recipients confidence and motivation to serve God. True or False? [Ex 4:10-13, 17]
4. Despite blemishes in Moses’ leadership, it was clear that he was the chosen leader. True or False? [Ex 34:28-35]
5. God has an overwhelming desire to keep us “in the loop” of what is happening. True or False? [Amos 3:7; Num 12:6; Jn 1:9]
6. The work of a prophet is to justify to others God’s acts of punishment of the rebellious. True or False? [Ex 32:11-13; Num 14:13-19, 16:46-50]
7. God doesn’t limit the work of prophecy to a single gender. True or False? [Ex 15”20, 21; Judges 4:4; 2 Ki 22:14]
8. Prophets in the New Testament were called apostles. True or False? [Eph. 2:20]
Reflective Conclusion
There will be no class notes this week since I will not be teaching this Sabbath but perhaps I will conclude with a few thoughts as we consider the implications of this important lesson.
Any communication from God to us is an act of grace. We are the rebellious ones. We are the ones who use His name as a curse. We are the ones who carry His name on our churches and then defy Him in the way we live. He makes us a universal priority while we de-prioritize our time with Him. That is why grace is so powerful. It is so undeserved. But grace is not for beating ourselves and whipping up feelings of self-degradation. Grace lifts us. It brings us into the presence of God. This is why the gift of prophecy is so filled with grace. It is an extension of God Himself and His overwhelming desire to relate with us, to speak with us, to someday be with us face to face. The gift of prophecy is a invitation to sense His guiding presence. But there is a lingering question implied by the prophets of old. It is a question that must be asked whether it be prosperous times or troublous ones. Can you hear the heart beat of God behind the words of these prophets?
“. . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chron 7:14 (NIV)
13 "If my people would but listen to me,
if Israel would follow my ways,
14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." Ps 81:13-16 (NIV)
The gift of prophecy is just that, “a gift.” God’s grace has been shown. The lingering question remains: “Are we willing to listen?”
Introductory Reflections
The prophetic gift has not always been necessary but communication with God always has. While in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve enjoyed open and full communion with God. This changed when sin entered. Regardless, God has always had and still has an overwhelming desire to communicate and, when possible, be with those whom He created in His image. From the walks in the Garden to the sanctuary placed in the middle of the encampment of the Israelites to the Urim and Thummim to the anointing of prophets and, of course, coming as Jesus – the Immanuel (God with us). This gift of prophecy is in reality God’s gift of Himself for through it He desires to prepare a people to be with Him without the interruption of sin.
Reflective Discovery Questions
1. The gift of prophecy was not part of God’s original plan. True or False? [Gen 3:8,9; Num 12:6]
2. The first person called a prophet in the nation of Israel was Abraham. True or False? [Deut 34:10]
3. The gift of prophecy should give the recipients confidence and motivation to serve God. True or False? [Ex 4:10-13, 17]
4. Despite blemishes in Moses’ leadership, it was clear that he was the chosen leader. True or False? [Ex 34:28-35]
5. God has an overwhelming desire to keep us “in the loop” of what is happening. True or False? [Amos 3:7; Num 12:6; Jn 1:9]
6. The work of a prophet is to justify to others God’s acts of punishment of the rebellious. True or False? [Ex 32:11-13; Num 14:13-19, 16:46-50]
7. God doesn’t limit the work of prophecy to a single gender. True or False? [Ex 15”20, 21; Judges 4:4; 2 Ki 22:14]
8. Prophets in the New Testament were called apostles. True or False? [Eph. 2:20]
Reflective Conclusion
There will be no class notes this week since I will not be teaching this Sabbath but perhaps I will conclude with a few thoughts as we consider the implications of this important lesson.
Any communication from God to us is an act of grace. We are the rebellious ones. We are the ones who use His name as a curse. We are the ones who carry His name on our churches and then defy Him in the way we live. He makes us a universal priority while we de-prioritize our time with Him. That is why grace is so powerful. It is so undeserved. But grace is not for beating ourselves and whipping up feelings of self-degradation. Grace lifts us. It brings us into the presence of God. This is why the gift of prophecy is so filled with grace. It is an extension of God Himself and His overwhelming desire to relate with us, to speak with us, to someday be with us face to face. The gift of prophecy is a invitation to sense His guiding presence. But there is a lingering question implied by the prophets of old. It is a question that must be asked whether it be prosperous times or troublous ones. Can you hear the heart beat of God behind the words of these prophets?
“. . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chron 7:14 (NIV)
13 "If my people would but listen to me,
if Israel would follow my ways,
14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." Ps 81:13-16 (NIV)
The gift of prophecy is just that, “a gift.” God’s grace has been shown. The lingering question remains: “Are we willing to listen?”
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