Two men and a woman stand at the entrance to the dark tent, clad in the simple, long robes worn by nomads to ward off the scorching desert sun. As the family concludes their conversation, the woman wanders a little way from the tent to watch the setting sun. She carries her head held high. Her noble countenance bears lines from harsh weather and deep suffering and weighty concerns. As a young girl, she’d proved her mettle by guarding her infant brother when all little Hebrew boys suffered under Pharaoh’s order of death. With bold, quick insight, she made a request of Pharaoh’s Continue Reading
How the Differences between the Old and New Testaments Affect Prophecy
Years ago, our church prepared to bring in some prophets who would minister by sharing words from the Holy Spirit with selected individuals in the congregation. One friend, nervous about the upcoming ministry time, said, “I’m afraid God is going to smite me!” (“Smite” is KJV English meaning “to strike or afflict suddenly.”) Our friend’s fear stemmed from a misunderstanding about how the New Testament gift of prophecy functions. Five factors contribute to the changes between covenants regarding prophecy.[i] 1. The Old Covenant featured prophets, priests, and kings. In the New Continue Reading
What the Story of Elizabeth Means for Women Today
This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, I’ve been pondering women in Scripture who play important roles in Jesus’ early life. Here’s how I imagine and comment on the story of Elizabeth: Hands clasped around her protruding abdomen, the woman glows. Her smile deepens the lines on her weathered cheeks, betraying an age far beyond that of most women in her condition. But her age only heightens her joy, for the Lord has done the impossible for her. ‘Just like Sarah,’ she whispers to herself, ‘Yahweh has replaced my bitterness and disgrace with great joy and wonder.’ Continue Reading
Why You Don’t Need to be Nervous about the Gift of Prophecy
When I say “prophecy,” what pops into your head? Old Testament eccentric loners rebuking ungodly kings? Apocalyptic visions of cosmic dragons? Let’s narrow the topic down to the gift of prophecy mentioned in 1 Cor. 12:10 and Rom. 12:6. Some folks believe this gift of the Holy Spirit is not legitimately in operation today, so they aren’t comfortable with it. Others believe it is for today, but don’t quite know what to make of it. Common reservations about the gift of prophecy include its supernatural aspect and the fear of feeling exposed or punished by God through prophetic Continue Reading