Today, for anyone who is at least mildly bold, there is more opportunity than ever. Just take mission as one area: there are opportunities for mission short term, long term, locally, nationally, and abroad. Now in all departements life comes to us, bringing possibility and yet more opportunity. Couple that with an ever deeper sea of need, it is easy to see why we seem to feel exhausted much of the time!
We need discernment more than ever before. As well as having our eyes opened to possibilities, we need to learn to discern amongst those possibilities.
Fortunately God has promised to not leave us in the dark and speaks today. The Spirit poured out brings prophetic revelation (Joel 2/Acts 2). Amos 3:7 reassures that the Lord's plans will be revealed.
An oft-quoted verse is also Proverbs 29:18. Given in old translations as 'where there is no vision the people perish', but better translated in recent decades as 'Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled', or as The Message puts in 'If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves'!
The point is that we need prophetic revelation, God's word for us today. We need it at the level of the whole of society, to guide people's behaviour and stem the worst excesses. We need it together in the church for our direction and purpose. And we also need it as individuals, for leading in our own God-given calling.
Discernment, God's leading, God's voice. The New Testament makes a big deal out of prophetic gifting, even prioritising it over other gifts (1 Cor 14:1). When we think of the myriad choices we can make day on day, that this is an essential ingredient should not surprise us.
Friday 22 May 2015
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