And yet a balance is needed…

Over the years and even more now recently, it should be obvious to many that there are a variety of messages in this hour in the prophetic arena.

For as the days grow darker and the time approaches for the return of our LORD, we see words of judgment and even at times colorful language that speaks of horrendous terror and bloodshed.

But then on the other extreme, there are those who share words of great joy and beautiful language that gives The Body of Christ encouragement in the face of the dark world that we now live in.

Both of these types of messages are needed, and yet some may wonder how we can correlate the two in a way that they both make sense.

However, sometimes I wonder if those who speak messages devoid of warning or judgment, are truly hearing fully from The LORD.

It’s one thing to be positive and encouraging, and yet another thing to ignore and keep one’s head buried in the sand.

Truly, Jesus spoke words of encouragement and promise, but He never ignored the plight that many faced, but spoke also of a time when the darkness would descend and judgment would befall upon the face of the earth.

Perhaps some are speaking to please others and water-down their messages to attract a greater audience, so that their words go down easier for the people around them.

I am reminded about those who prophesied to the kings of Israel and Judah many years ago, and how they sought to sugar-coat their words to them.

And yet there were always a small handful who spoke truth to those kings, and even though their messages weren’t always received, they soon found out that what they had prophesied had come to pass.

I see the majority who prophesy and speak today, primarily have a favorable stance towards our American president. And yet I find this stance as very similar to those who spoke favorably to those wicked kings thousands of years ago.

You see, it’s very easy to jump on the proverbial band wagon that others are riding on, but it takes real courage to go against the main stream of what may well not be true and an accurate assessment.

There are many things to consider here and not the least of which is to understand the full scope of that which would speak of God’s nature and His speech towards His children.

One can and then should look to the prophets that spoke and have written down to us their message.

For even there we see scathing words of judgment and pronouncements echoed through the words of Jeremiah and others, while at the same time, there is a container of hope and encouragement in them for us.

For one would be remiss to not see hear Jeremiah say, Lamentations 3:22-23,

“It is of The LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

For this is the same Prophet that said:

“This is what The LORD of Armies says: You did not listen to my words, so I’m going to send for all the families from the north. I will also send for my servant King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, declares The LORD. I will bring the families from the north to attack this land, its people, and all these surrounding nations. I’m going to destroy them and turn them into something terrible, something ridiculed, and something permanently ruined. I will take from them the sounds of joy and happiness, the sounds of brides and grooms, the sound of mills, and the light of lamps. This whole land will be ruined and become a wasteland. These nations will serve the king of Babylon for 70 years,” Jeremiah 25:8-11.

My friends, what I am saying here is that even though God speaks judgment and warning to His people, there is always “hope” that should also be seen within His Words.

If indeed then, one prophesies great and horrendous things that are coming and not an ounce of hope is seen within that message, then perhaps, it is time to set that message aside.

And yet on the other extreme, when some “just” speaks beautiful and lovely Words from God, and there is no sense of turning from one’s sinful ways, then that message also needs to be reconsidered.

For you see, God brings warning and hope both at the same time.

Just like Joseph’s coat of many colors there is a full spectrum seen in the many facets of God’s divinity. One would be wise to consider this.

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

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Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to The LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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