by Timothy W. Burnett
Prophecy generally falls into two categories. One involves speaking words that are given by revelation in advance. According to 2Samuel 7:2 Nathan is referred to as a prophet, or a person who speaks for God.
David felt sorry for God because he lived in a place made of Cedar while God abode in a place made of curtains. We see in verse 4 that "the word of the Lord came unto Nathan." He said, "God and tell my servant David..." God gave Nathan words by revelation and instructed him to relay them to David. According to verse 17 Nathan spoke all the words from God to David. In other words, Nathan prophesied to David according to all the words that God gave him earlier.
Another kind of prophecy is where the words are given by the spirit of God only after the speaker starts talking. In Luke 1:41-55 Elizabeth prophesied as soon as she was filled with the holy spirit. God did not give her the words to speak in advance. The words were given as she began to open her mouth to speak. It was edifying for both her and Mary.
The interpretation of tongues refers to giving the interpretation of the language spoken. 1Corinthians chapter 14 addresses the distinction between speaking in tongues and prophecy as applied during an orderly assembly of believers. This will be covered on a later date. In essence speaking in tongues during the church time is not edifying unless the speaker gives the interpretation afterward. If that person does not believe to give the interpretation, then that one should not speak in tongues out oud (1Corinthians 14:27).
Interpretation of tongues is in essence prophecy with a specific purpose to give the interpretation. See 1Corinthians 14:5, "I would that you all speak with tongues, but rather that you prophesied. For greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tonuges, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." Whether or not we understand what it means to peak in tongues and give the interpretation, we cannot deny that the two are listed in the manifestation of the holy spirit for profitting. Not understanding or believing God's word does not change His word. It only affects whether we will act on it.
If God instructs us that we can profit from prophecy, speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues, then that means we as Christians can truly profit from them. God woud not give His word about this if He knew that we would not be able to act on it. God is very gracious and loving to help us get to the point where we will start speaking in tongues. But it's up to us to dive into His word and learn what is available and what it means, and ultimately take the believing action to start speaking in tongues in our personal prayer lives. Onve we start acting on God's word, then we'll begin to see the profit in our lives.
Home