How can we apply Moses' wish for all to prophesy in our church? The Verse in Focus “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) Why Moses’ Wish Still Matters - God Himself placed this longing in Moses; therefore it reveals His enduring desire. - The same Holy Spirit who equipped Eldad and Medad now indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19). - Pentecost proves the wish has become open invitation (Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:28). What Scripture Means by “Prophesy” - Speaking forth a Spirit-given message that comforts, strengthens, and exhorts (1 Corinthians 14:3). - Always consistent with written Scripture; never adding competing revelation (Deuteronomy 13:1-4; Galatians 1:8). - Centered on “the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 19:10). New Testament Echoes of Moses’ Dream • 1 Corinthians 14:1, 5, 31 – Paul urges all to desire and practice prophecy for church edification. • Ephesians 4:11-12 – Prophets equip the saints, indicating an ongoing role. • 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 – “Do not quench the Spirit… test everything; hold fast to what is good.” Practical Ways to Apply Moses’ Wish in Our Church 1. Teach Biblically on the Gift • Preach clear messages on Numbers 11, Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 14. • Emphasize that Scripture is the final authority and testing ground. 2. Encourage Earnest Desire • Create moments in services to ask the Lord to speak through His people. • Model childlike openness—leaders publicly express desire for prophetic insight. 3. Provide Safe, Orderly Opportunities • Designate response times where vetted believers may share concise words. • Use small groups or prayer meetings as training grounds before larger gatherings. 4. Pair Freedom with Accountability • Require every word to be weighed by mature elders (1 Corinthians 14:29). • Write down prophetic messages so they can be tested and remembered. 5. Foster Humility and Love • Remind all that love, not hype, validates prophetic ministry (1 Corinthians 13). • Celebrate encouragement more than “foretelling.” Building up is the aim. 6. Equip through Mentoring • Pair newcomers with seasoned believers who model biblical balance. • Offer workshops on hearing God through Scripture, prayer, and stillness. 7. Guard against Counterfeits • Teach discernment: a word must align with the gospel, exalt Christ, and bear the Spirit’s fruit. • Reject manipulation, fortune-telling, or anything contradicting the faith once delivered. Benefits of a Prophetic Culture - Scripture comes alive as God personalizes His already-written truth. - Unbelievers are convicted, secrets are exposed, and worship erupts (1 Corinthians 14:24-25). - The entire body becomes engaged, not spectators (Ephesians 4:16). - Pastoral care deepens—timely words bring healing and direction (Isaiah 50:4). Living the Wish Today When a church prizes biblical prophecy—rooted in inerrant Scripture, practiced in love, and tested by leaders—Moses’ centuries-old longing blossoms into everyday reality. All God’s people can become Spirit-empowered voices, speaking life to one another and shining Christ to the world. |
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