We are experiencing wave after wave of prophetic revelation and insight into the things God is doing. Prayer meetings are filled with downloads as we follow our discipline to pray Scripture together. Even conversations and meetings are now prophetically inspired. What makes this so powerful is the synergy between isolated events that bind them together for the purpose of revelation.
The sons of Issachar were known for their knowledge of the spiritual seasons and times of God (1 Chr 12:32). It is very interesting to note the context for this passage is David assembling an army at Hebron as he prepared to receive the throne of Saul as was promised by God. The gift of discernment is essential for moving in step with God.
The gift of discernment is essential for moving in step with God.
Jesus rebuked the crowd for not being able to discern the times. “You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times.” (Luke 12:56) We should take this as a warning for our own attitude. I think Jesus is stern with His words (read the entire passage to get the drift!) because of the importance for personal maturity in how we live in the time we live. Lack of awareness or wisdom will not be a valid excuse on Judgement Day.
Lack of awareness or wisdom will not be a valid excuse on Judgement Day.
Paul admonishes us to know the times in Romans 13:11; “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” How relevant this verse is to the days we live in — the apostle Paul urges the church to “wake up!”
“wake up!”
When Jacob had a revelation of an open heaven in Genesis 28, he exclaims; “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” (Genesis 28:17)
I find it fascinating that Jacob refers to the place of revelation as the “gate of heaven.” In biblical terms, a gate is a place of judgement and decision, and place of transaction and exchange, and place of authority. Could it be that revelation is therefore a sign of increased authority to move in administering God’s kingdom in our realm of influence?
The response to this is twofold. For church leadership, our responsibility must be to steward this revelation in a way that allows God’s people to be led by the Spirit. This requires diligence to wait, listen, receive, and measure. As we curate the messages, like Ezra the Scribe, we will be able to effectively process what God is saying to ensure safety and obedience.
This requires diligence to wait, listen, receive, and measure.
For God’s people, there’s the risk that comes with following ordained leadership who believe they have heard from God. But there’s also the risk of being disobedient or dishonouring of what God is saying… and who He is saying it through.
As always, the primary burden falls on the leader.