Verse
Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).
— Acts 11:27-28 ESV
Thought
Troubles were coming, yet the message Agabus delivered "by the Spirit" wasn't primarily about the coming troubles. His message was a call for the brothers and sisters in Jesus' family to get ready to help those in need (see the next two verses, Acts 11:29-30). When you hear people claiming to speak today by the power of the Spirit — especially when they claim to be a prophetic voice, ask yourself: "Are their words to alarm and condemn or to strengthen and encourage us to service?" The work of the Spirit in God's prophets has a clear focus: Spirit-inspired prophets speak "to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort" (1 Corinthians 14:3). So test those who claim to be prophets (1 John 4:1), and see if they fit the Spirit's description of their role.
Prayer
Holy God, we want to be your righteous people, your children who reflect both your character and your compassion. So I ask that you help us hear the voices empowered by your Holy Spirit and also help us recognize those voices that simply shout criticisms without bringing your comfort. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
View the full article
Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).
— Acts 11:27-28 ESV
Thought
Troubles were coming, yet the message Agabus delivered "by the Spirit" wasn't primarily about the coming troubles. His message was a call for the brothers and sisters in Jesus' family to get ready to help those in need (see the next two verses, Acts 11:29-30). When you hear people claiming to speak today by the power of the Spirit — especially when they claim to be a prophetic voice, ask yourself: "Are their words to alarm and condemn or to strengthen and encourage us to service?" The work of the Spirit in God's prophets has a clear focus: Spirit-inspired prophets speak "to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort" (1 Corinthians 14:3). So test those who claim to be prophets (1 John 4:1), and see if they fit the Spirit's description of their role.
Prayer
Holy God, we want to be your righteous people, your children who reflect both your character and your compassion. So I ask that you help us hear the voices empowered by your Holy Spirit and also help us recognize those voices that simply shout criticisms without bringing your comfort. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
