“Thus says the Lord…”
I’m sure you’ve heard that said at least a few times in your lifetime. And what a dangerous quote it can be.
I believe in all the workings of the Holy Spirit; and I believe He is at work today in all of His fullness. The Word teaches Divine healing…for today; prophesy…for today; tongues and interpretation…for today. And I believe that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, the Bible specifically teaches that we will be given power to be his witnesses. There many evidences of a Spirit-filled life. But the one attribute that Jesus himself spoke of was being His witness.
A common phrase in today’s charismatic circles is “Thus says the Lord” after a prophetic “word,” or “word of knowledge” has been given. I have both given these words, and received these words at various times. And I’m grateful and humbled that God would use me to communicate His word to me, and through me for someone else. And also, out of obedience to the Holy Spirit, that other people have spoken a genuine word from the Lord into my life.
Why do I say that it’s dangerous to say “thus says the Lord?” Because sometimes we miss what the Lord is saying. We’re human, and we’re flawed. Even in seasons of deeper intimacy with God we can miss Him (and when I say “miss Him” I mean “not accurately hear Him”). The only time we can say to someone, “Thus says the Lord,” is when we’re reading directly from scripture, or quoting memorized scripture. God is not going to say anything new and different than what’s in His Word. His Word was established before the foundations of the universe. And that Word became flesh in the form Jesus.
We should test every word given to see if it lines up with the Word of God. If it doesn’t line up with His Word, then it is inaccurate and should not be taken as “thus says the Lord.”
Don’t handle God’s Word carelessly. It is eternal and powerful. Freely speak His Word boldly, with confidence, love, and devotion.
Brian
People try to speak for God all the time. I see it on TV coming out of the mouths of politicians quite often. I don’t think they realize the weight of the claim they are making when they insist something is God’s will.
I totally believe in prophecy but it is impossible for God to contradict himself. If the words do not match up perfectly with Scripture then it is not from God.
“For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” — 2 Peter 1:21