“Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets
who lead my people astray,
who cry ‘Peace’
when they have something to eat,
but declare war against him
who puts nothing into their mouths.
Therefore it shall be night to you, without vision,
and darkness to you, without divination.
The sun shall go down on the prophets,
and the day shall be black over them;
the seers shall be disgraced,
and the diviners put to shame;
they shall all cover their lips,
for there is no answer from God.
But as for me, I am filled with power,
with the Spirit of the Lord,
and with justice and might,
to declare to Jacob his transgression
and to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:5-8
“Everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God… And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:8-9,11-12
“[Take up] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication.., that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,.. that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:17-20
For false prophets who lead people astray the Lord withholds no condemnation. The sun shall go down on them, the day be as black, their vision darkened, God’s voice silent. A night of disgrace and shame will be their end. But for the one who speaks for God, in His Spirit with boldness and truth, his message will be as daybreak. Bright, fiery, life-giving, awe-inspiring, beautiful will be his words.
For God’s people, we take part in both the gleaning and the giving out, and one determines the other. We must discern what to take in and how we’ll be informed so we have truth to speak at the Spirit’s instruction and prompting. In a world rife with polished false teaching and alluring, subtle lies, we must know God’s truth as foundation and filter. He is no God of confusion or changing shadows. His Spirit makes sense of His words to all who sincerely inquire, and empowers us to speak for Him. (Psalm 119:89; 1 Corinthians 14:33a; James 1:17)
How bold are we to speak for God? Are we familiar enough with His word to enlighten, instruct, and persuade? How will I proclaim spiritual daybreak into the lives of others?
“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
’tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’tis life and health and peace.
To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever given
by saints below and saints above,
the Church in earth and heaven.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)
Lord, quicken and inspire me to speak always for others’ good and Your glory.
As the rain and snow 