The True Purpose of Prophesying in Christianity

Some of you may have grown up in church or joined them later in life where the gifts of prophecy were seen as real and active. Yet, many churches use it as an almost fortune teller-like way. They treat it like a magic 8 ball. “Will I find my husband at Walmart today?” “Ask again later.”

The truth of the matter is that prophesying is incredibly profound, but it is not just about prediction. That is why I want to take you to Ezekiel 37. This chapter is about a dream-like vision of a valley full of dry bones that Yahweh (God) reveals to the prophet Ezekiel. What does this have to do with the truth of prophesying? Well, let’s look at verses 3-6.

And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.” Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.” ’ ”

The chapter continues with Ezekiel prophesying to bring breath into these rebuilt bodies. He finds out that the bones represent the house of Israel (v. 11) and that he is to speak to these people.

Again, what does this reveal about prophesying? It shows its true purpose! This shows that prophesying isn’t focused on “telling the future.” Sure, that can happen with the gift of the Holy Spirit, but it is about speaking life! It is about using God’s Word to build up people and guide them to His Kingdom! It isn’t about putting people on a pedestool. It is not about manipulating people. It is about edification, to uplift the body of Christ in love!

Amen!

-Pastor Alex