Stay Tuned
â Finding the Frequency of Heaven
By: Pastor Joseph Mead
In 1906, a silent Christmas Eve night was broken as sailors were astonished to hear the angelic voice of a woman singing âO Holy Nightâ through their radio receivers for the first time in history. Reginald Fessenden had done it. He successfully sent the first wireless voice transmission to nearby ships at sea.
Think about how Fessendenâs discovery paved the way for so many technologies that we use and enjoy today. Long distance communication is now made possible by the science of passing waves of invisible energy through one substance to another. And today it is big business.
At the root of discovering sound transmission is mankindâs desire to communicate and connect. More importantly, our addiction to communicate and connect reflects the very nature of our Creator. Our cultureâs craving to stay in constant communication is written in our DNA by the Son of God, for He is the Word of God that spoke all things into existence (read John 1:1-5).
Just as we dial a radio into a certain frequency to pick up a specific music station, we can tune our spirit to pick up the very whispers of God. Jesus made this all possible through His sacrifice at Calvary when He paid the penalty for our sins and made peace between God and man. And now, just as the veil in the temple tore open for all to see the Holy of Holies, God is inviting us to come in and talk (Matthew 27:51).
Let Him Hear
When Jesus walked among us thousands of years ago, He would often say, âIf anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.â This statement indicates that hearing God is only for those who have tuned in to do so. It also reveals that God is speaking; yet some are not listening… and that is where you and I come into play.
Consistently studying and meditating on Godâs word will tune our ear to His voice and the Spirit of truth. As we are faithful to learn what is revealed, God will entrust us with whatâs hidden. As we tune in, we will not only hear the Holy Spiritâs leading for our own lives, but we can also pick up Godâs encouragement for others!
I remember being in prayer at church one day, and I was wrapped up in the Lord and basking in His love. I opened my eyes for a brief moment to see another person praying in the same meeting. Instantly, I heard the Holy Spirit say, âGo and tell her that itâs not her fault.â In that moment, fear of the unknown and faith to obey gripped my soul at the same time. I had a choice. Obey fear or obey faith. I was so glad I obeyed faith, because as I delivered that simple word from God, I saw years of guilt and shame fall from that womanâs countenance. Evidence of Godâs liberation poured from her eyes as she wept joyfully.
Just like a radio, a major part of our purpose in Christ is to catch Godâs frequency and amplify His message to an audience desperate to hear loveâs melody. The Apostle Paul wrote, âBut he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men” (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Remember, it all begins with getting close to Jesus Christ.
New Testament Prophecy
It is vital that we understand the purpose and nature of New Testament prophecy. It isnât spooky and it isnât overly complicated. As Pastor Kevin says, âIt is simply asking the Father whatâs in His heart for another person.â Then we echo what we hear from the Holy Spirit. We may all prophesy.
Guaranteed, if you are hearing Godâs voice, it will be loving, edifying, and uplifting. If what you hear is judgmental, critical, and condemning, then reject it! Itâs âthe accuser of the brethrenâ trying to mask himself as an âangel of lightâ (read Revelation 12:10 and 2 Corinthians 11:14). Remember, Jesus came to set captives free, not add more weight to their chains of bondage. Jesus is a liberator, not a slave driver.
Scripture is very clear that we ought to âtest the spirits, whether they are of God;â (1 John 4:1). The measuring stick is thisâlove. If the root of the message isnât love, then toss it out. You simply picked up âstaticâ and you need to keep tuning in until you hear God clearly. The Apostle Paul writes, âThough I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge… but have not love, I am nothingâ (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).
Recap
In closing, here is a quick way to understand the elements of prophecy and how itâs transmitted to the hearer. You may recognize these stages in the heavenly encouragement you hear for others. Please note that some words from God take time and process to fully unfold. We ought to just focus on our partânothing more, nothing less (read 1 Corinthians 3:5-8).
- Revelation: This is the moment you tune into God and pick up what He is saying for someone else. Itâs a message obtained by supernatural means; whether it be a prophetic picture, a specific word, a knowing, or an open vision. Itâs a message from God that could not have been obtained naturally.
- Interpretation: The message you receive may need interpreting, most commonly associated with dreams, visions, and prophetic pictures. Many times, someone else may have the interpretation. I believe God gives the interpretation to others to encourage unity in the Body of Christ. It forces us to need each other.
- Application: A supernatural download or spiritual unveiling is never for our entertainment. It is given for the purpose of action. We need to respond to the message we hear from God. Once the prophetic word is tested against the weight of scripture and is measured by love, we must respond accordingly.
This article certainly does not cover the entire subject of prophecy, but itâs a start. Remember, it all begins with getting close to Jesus Christâspending time with Him and tuning into His voiceâignoring any static. Once youâre tuned in, the rest will come with time and experience.