A Famine for Hearing or
Over-abundance of Prophetic Words?

 

““Behold, the days come,” saith the LORD God, “that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.”” Amos 8:11.

The prophet Amos gave this very important message during the 8th Century BC. Amos delivered his messages to the northern kingdom of Israel, and in some ways that period of time parallels our own because of the many social injustices that are so prevalent.

We live in a time of corporate greed and extravagance that has reached such a height of depravity, where the rich hold such a huge percentage of the world’s goods, and the poor can barely make a living to support their families.

But as we are told by the prophet, there was a great famine not in finding food, but in hearing the true word of God. Very few during this time heard the unvarnished truth of God’s word.

The gods of the Canaanites, the Baal and Ashtarte, were worshiped by many instead of following the words sent by the prophet Amos and others. We know that this was a different period of time in that the Jews didn’t have access of course, to the scriptures that we now have.

Jesus had not come in the flesh, but various prophets, sages, and patriarchs spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. While the Torah contained various inspired books and writings, the poor were neglected, as the rich lived in luxury.

And now centuries later, we have access to all kinds of Christian literature and various editions of the bible. Pulpits are filled with preaching every Sunday, and yet, one would wonder if there is still a famine in hearing the true word of the LORD.

But in spite of this, we seem to be flooded with thousands upon thousands of words of prophecy, that we can read every day. One can find themselves reading countless words from others, who have supposedly heard from God. And yet, we are told not to despise prophecy, but to examine them carefully.

“Do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good,” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21.

We know that we should discern whether these words are true or not, according to the gift of discerning of spirits that He has placed among us, and in us. But with all of the flood of these words, I believe that prophecy is becoming a common thing among us. It is as if there is so much of it, that one could even get tired of reading some.

Instead of a famine for hearing the word of the LORD, now there is such an abundance of “words” that the table has so much food upon it. But then one would ask, ‘What type of food is this?’

The true word of the LORD should give us sustenance and provide marrow for our bones. Maybe what we often get is a fast food entree of greasy French fries, soft drinks, and a McDonald’s hamburger.

God’s banqueting table should provide a well-balanced diet for those who partake of it. It should be a ‘foretaste’ of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. There should be strong meat for the mature, and milk and honey for the young.

God’s diet should sustain us for the journey ahead, and give us strength and wisdom in continuing.

May we not despise those words that we read that oftentimes come in abundance, but perhaps we should become more selective in what we read, and maybe even also, in what we deliver.

 

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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