ADVANCE: A Revival DevotionalSample

Advance In Prophecy

Advancing in prophecy can at first glance sound like “glamorous” language, but when given a second look, the biblical prophets’ lives were heroic; but perhaps not in ways we would expect.

As A. W. Tozer said, “We can be in our day what the heroes of faith were in their day – but remember at the time they didn’t know they were heroes.”

Biblical prophets were God’s mouthpieces, not spouting their own opinions, but in holy submission to the word of God. These prophets’ primary concern was not with predicting the future, instead, their primary focus was to bring accountability to the believers of Yahweh. The challenge these prophets brought often consisted of a message of repentance from idolatry, exploitation of the poor/marginalized and coming back to being faithful to the covenant of a holy, set-apart people.

This calling of truth-telling and bringing accountability is not for the faint-hearted. These poetic words that now adorn our coffee cups and t-shirts came with a high price-tag, influencing the actions of their everyday lives and calling them to a unique way of life.

Yes, New Testament prophecy is marked by “edification of the body of Christ”, but the purpose of drawing us closer to the divine, biblically-revealed ethic still remains.

As New Testament believers, advancing in prophecy is an everyday heroic act to not only speak truth to other believers but to also live in such a way as to remind each other of unique imperative in this world “to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). What area can you advance in today? Do you need to address unjust actions in your life? Is mercy your companion? Perhaps you are merciful and acting justly, but are not humble about it? Allow the spirit to speak to you today.

Action Questions: Have you asked God for the gift of prophecy?

How can you step out and practice the gift of prophecy?

Prayer: “Father, I pray for the gift of prophecy and I pray that you’d pour a supernatural boldness over me as well. Help me to keep mercy and love at the forefront of my mind as I go through my daily life. I love you, Lord. Amen.”