Personal Prophecy. Acts 21:1-14.

Pause for thought

The Holy Spirit warned the believers of Paul’s coming suffering if he went to Jerusalem. But they came to the wrong conclusion saying Paul should not go to Jerusalem and begged him to change his mind! However shortly after his conversion Paul was told by the Holy Spirit through Ananias that he would bring the gospel to the Gentiles and Kings and that he would suffer greatly for his Lord. Paul already knew the Lords will for his life, These prophetic words were not new but confirming words for Paul. The events that followed his arrest in Jerusalem did indeed bring Paul before rulers and Gentiles leading him eventually before the Emperor. These events in Paul’s life remind us of the Lords promise in Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them”

Although personal prophecy is a valid way that the Lord does sometimes speak to individuals. King David was reprimanded by God through Nathan (Old Testament) or as was in the case of Agabus and his enacted prophecy warning Paul what was to soon happen if he continued on his Jerusalem journey. Please note that personal prophecy must never dictate or manipulate, nor should the “Word” be given hastily, or have to be given in public! If the prophecy is genuine it will probably be confirming what the recipient already is aware of as was in the case of Paul. And will always accord to written scripture, never leading the recipient to disregard the Word of God in favour of the “words” of some prophet.

When we are unsure about Prophecy then Acts 21:14 is good to remember “ The will of the Lord be done.”

Memory verse

When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “ The will of the Lord be done.” Acts 21:14. N.L.T.

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