The Bounds Of Prophetic-Faith Exchange.

Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind  you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” (Second Kings 4:3-4)

Last year I wrote some posts on the concept of prophetic-faith exchange (see The Prophetic-Faith Exchange and Shuna-Might), and in yesterday’s sermon Pastor Joy reminded us of one of the key aspects of prophetic-faith exchange: the working relationship between the prophet and the lay person, without intervention from others.

Elisha said to the widow, “Shut the door behind you and your sons.”

Pastor Joy said to us, “Obedient action is not a spectator sport.”

There are instances in which acts of God, miracles, are executed in private. We see this occurring periodically in the ministry of Jesus (see John 9:1-7; Matthew 9:23-25; Mark 8:22-25). The careful Christian, whether congregant or clergy, will always be listening to hear from the Lord regarding how He wants them to act.

Pastor Joy spoke briefly on the aspect of sensationalism, noting that God has not called His people to be sensational in the process of executing the miraculous. The indictment against the Pharisees was that they demanded to see particular signs from Jesus as “proof” that He was the Messiah (see Matthew 16:1-4), while hardening their hearts to the teachings and miracles occurring right in front of them. Jesus was not obligated to put on a show then, and He is not obligated now.

Here is where we must be very careful. In our weakness, pain, and desperation, we may have longings to see a particular sign from Jesus… sent in the way we choose… sent at the time we desire… sent so that everyone else can see God bless us. I urge you, and myself: Reject those immature longings and live in maturity.

Crave the secret place of God, where amazing things happen just between you and Him.

God does not call us to sensationalism.