There was a British/American TV show about improvisational comedy. I admit I never saw the show. But it was based upon the concept of seeing where a suggestion would take the guests.
I have taken some time to ponder over what I had written in my last post. Sometimes as I write these blogs, I find I end up in a far different destination than where I intended to go. Sometimes I find myself bringing forth issues that I did not realize existed until put down in writing. Much like the following proverb:
- Proverbs 16:9 NASB – 9 The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Somehow, I connect this divine inspiration with how prophesy works as well as doctrine. We have morphed prophesy/doctrine in the modern Christianity to the following:
- I have a question about my current circumstances or future.
- I close my eyes and ask God.
- God downloads his thoughts into mine.
- What ever pop’s out next is God’s fixed and firm opinion on the subject.
But it always amazes me that God always agrees with the speaker’s assertion. One would think that it should be a major red flag waving in the wind, “Stop, you are simply adding Thus Saith the Lord to your own opinion.
I like how Jesus responded to Peter when he exclaimed Jesus should not die on the cross. Peter had just been complimented by Jesus:
- Matthew 16:16-17 NASB – 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal [this] to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
Please note, PETER HAD NO IDEA THAT WHAT HE SAID CAME FROM THE FATHER. Yet God used him to declare both doctrinally and prophetically who He was.
Now we find Peter once again opening his mouth, only this time to make a deliberate declaration. But now Jesus offers Peter one of the sternest rebukes he can utter:
- Matthew 16:23 NASB – 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”
- Mark 8:33 NASB – 33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”
Jesus quickly got to the heart of the issue, there is God’s interest’s, man’s interest, and Satan’s interest. The unspoken theology is that as believers we always declare God’s interests. Jesus did not see it that way.
Read any of the autobiographies of anyone who started a major denomination such Booth and the Salvation Army, the Wesley Brothers and the Methodists, AB Simpson and the Christion Missionary and Alliance, even John Wimber and the Vineyard and you will find one thing in common. Neither of them intentionally sets out to start a new organization or doctrinal philosophy. It was as if God thrusts them into the situation. When they started out they had no idea where they would end up.
Based upon the example of Peter, I think prophesy/doctrine is the same. When we intentionally set out to declare the will of God we end up declaring our own opinion about God. God seems to have the most profound effect upon speaking forth his will when we are not afraid to declare what is on our heart, then God puts his stamp of approval upon what is said.
When Peter is given his compliment, he is simply responding with his opinion. When Peter is rebuked, he was not being asked his opinion, but thought he could give it anyways.
While my life may not be the perfect example, I can testify that I have most been used by God in the most profound when I did not realize I was being used by God. YouTube is too full of “let me tell you what the real truth of how God thinks” instead of being honest and stating that this is how the author sees it.
When we can be honest about who’s interest, we are declaring (our own), God is more than capable of declaring which ones reflect his heart. But like Peter, we like to think we can help God along by claiming to speak on his behalf, both prophetically and doctrinally.
When I started out today’s blog I really did want to go into some thoughts on the modern day church service, but this is where I ended up, speaking on what it means to give forth divine inspiration from my perspective. Whether or not this has God’s stamp of approval, only time will tell.
But until then, love much my friends . . . .
Unspoken Theology 