Prophecy and the Will of God

"One Year Bible" New Testament Passage
Acts 21:1-17

Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” Acts 21:12-14 (NKJV)

We have two quite interesting examples today of personal prophetic words being given to the Apostle Paul. In both cases, it appears that the "word of the Lord" to Paul is "Don't go to Jerusalem!" Yet we find that Paul is resolute in his determination to fulfill that which he KNOWS to be God's will for him. Despite repeated warnings of danger, he continues his path toward difficulty at Jerusalem.

How can we fit this puzzle together? Here are some insights:

1) We never read where GOD explicitly tells Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Friends have strong words for him and vs. 4 says they spoke "through the Spirit." In vs. 11, Agabus simply tells Paul prophetically what awaits him. Friends took what they were hearing from God and put THEIR INTERPRETATION on it. Lesson: we need to be careful in prophetic ministry to speak only that which is really from God, but refrain from adding our own editorial perspective.

2) Rarely is prophetic ministry DIRECTIONAL. In other words, you should never do anything strictly because someone gave you a "word from God." Prophecy is almost always either PREPARATIONAL or CONFIRMATIONAL. God gives you words to prepare you for what's coming or to encourage and confirm you in what He has already told you. Lesson: always weigh prophetic words against that which God has already said to you and that which brings peace in your spirit.

3) Always stay true to what God HAS told you to do. God is not "on again/off again". He will guide you if you listen. Prophetic words are given to aid you and help you as you pursue God's good plans. Lesson: God is not confused.

You can walk in order and peace as you always remain open to the supernatural ways God can speak to you. In the final analysis, they all said "the will of God be done." That's what it's all about.