Prophecy is God’s eternal drama. It is the unrolling of God’s plan for the ages. When God gives His names, He defines Himself as “I am.” He is always forever eternally in the present tense.
When you have a puzzle, one of the best ways to see how it fits together is by examining the picture on the box. If you simply look at the pieces, they don’t relate as you stare at them. If you get the big view of the box you can put it in order. Prophecy is the Bible’s way of giving us a big picture of the future.
Prophecy also reveals the character of God. When you see God’s program, then you get to know more about God. Isaiah 46:9–10 makes a very personal statement related to God’s knowledge and the prophetic program.
“Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’”
Prophecy gives you confidence to trust God. If God knows tomorrow already, then you and I can go to sleep tonight. In fact, Paul argues over and over again that he got so overwhelmed with God’s character that he couldn’t help but worship God whenever he saw His powerful plan unfold.
Prophecy also produces stability during trials. John 14, Jesus is about to leave. The disciples have been walking with Him for three years; they’re now going to be left alone. Their question is, how will we make it? Jesus says in these well known, well preached, well-worn words;
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (vv. 1–3).
He says, “Let not your heart be troubled.” Prophecy produces calm in the midst of a storm. In fact, He goes on to tell us He’s going to send a Comforter to take care of us while He’s away.
So what does God want us to do with this information? First Thessalonians 4:18 tells us, “Comfort one another with these words.” You see, the point of prophecy is to produce encouragement. It gives hope.
We’ve made earth too big. We’ve made Satan too big. We’ve made people too big. And they all ruin our day. Prefer heaven and you’ll be okay on earth. It’s a perspective thing that gives calm in the midst of chaos and trials.
