19. Prophecy edifies!

Prophecy edifies (Greek: oikodomeō means to build, to edify, strengthen, develop another’s personal life through acts or words of love and encouragement) the Church. How? We have heard it said: “Today’s prophecy is tomorrow’s history!” Prophecy declares God’s absolute control over the events of the future. “Declare what is to be, present it … Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the Lord?” – (Isaiah 45:21) “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.” ( 46:10) Prophecy not only addresses the future for our ENCOURAGEMENT but also addresses the past for our COMFORT and the present for our STRENGTHENING. Therefore Paul wrote that ‘everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their STRENGTHENING, ENCOURAGEMENT and COMFORT.’ – (1 Corinthians 14:3)

1. Strengthening: Strength is for the present and prophecy can reinforce our will by reaffirming our present situation. For instance, John wrote what he heard the Spirit say to the Church in Philadelphia: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know you have little strength yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” – (Revelation 3:8)

2. Encouragement: Encouragement is for the future and prophecy can inspire us by instilling confidence in us to face the future! For instance, John wrote what he heard the Spirit say to the Church in Philadelphia: “Since you have kept my word to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth … Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” – (Revelation 3:10)

3. Comfort: Comfort is for the events that happened in the past and prophecy can assure us by acknowledging our past. For instance, John wrote what he heard the Spirit say to the Church in Philadelphia : “I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars – I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.” – (Revelation 3:9)

‘The Church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria … was STRENGTHENED (Greek oikodomeō) and ENCOURAGED by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers , living in the fear of the Lord.’ – (Acts 9:31) Pray that true prophecy be restored back to the Church. Amen.