Prophecy that came true
They went back and reported it to Jehu. He told them, “That’s what the Lord said would happen. He announced it through his servant Elijah, who was from Tishbe. He said, ‘On a piece of land at Jezreel, dogs will eat up Jezebel’s body. (2 Kings 9:36)
Today we’ve seen that the chilling prophecy issued by Elijah about Jezebel’s death was fulfilled. Unfortunately, I’ve seen disturbing misuse of the gift of prophecy too many times over the years. Someone prophesies, promising that God is going to do something special - bring revival, heal a cancer, bless a ministry, give a childless couple the child they’ve longed for, or bring massive growth to a church. Then, sadly, the prophecy is not fulfilled: that heartbroken pair who so long to be parents never see that most happy birthday; the cancer sufferer succumbs to the ravages of the tumours. And then often there is nothing other than an uncomfortable silence. The would-be prophet either got it wrong, and perhaps was projecting their own hopes and aspirations into a ‘prophetic word'. Sadly, sometimes the people who have had to live with unfulfilled prophecy get blamed for it not being fulfilled; perhaps, it’s suggested, they didn’t have enough faith, or held onto a sin that cancelled out the promise. Madness and hurt ensues.
I believe in the use of the prophetic gifts. My life has been profoundly shaped and directed by the proper use of prophecy. But I worry about the lack of good practice in some churches, where people are afraid to admit that they got it wrong.
The eternal God may give us glimpses of what is ahead, perhaps for ourselves, or for others. But if we feel that He is doing so, let’s be careful, sensitive and teachable when we pass on what we think we’ve heard, lest struggling people are hurt even more by our well-meaning but clumsy attempts to help.