Prophecy: More Than Predicting the Future
When most people hear the word prophecy, they imagine someone foretelling the future — a prediction about what’s going to happen next. And yes, that’s
Jesus raises the bar really high when it comes to how we are meant to treat people who think we are their enemy!
One of the most compelling features of the Christian faith — especially for many in our generation — is the sheer humility of God.
Yes, you read that right: the humility of God.
It’s easy to picture God as mighty, sovereign, holy, and just. And rightly so. But what often surprises people is the way Jesus — God in the flesh — consistently modeled gentleness, lowliness, and self-emptying love. In fact, when Jesus described His own heart, here’s what He chose to say:
“For I am meek and humble in heart.” — Matthew 11:29
That’s not just striking — it’s revolutionary.
God, in all His majesty, doesn’t crush us with superiority. Instead, He comes low. He serves. He washes feet. He weeps. He touches the untouchable. He carries a cross. And He invites us into His humility — not as something to fear, but as a doorway to true freedom.
In our new book (soon to be published), we offer this reflection:
“Humility is not self-deprecation, but self-forgetfulness. It’s not pretending we are less than we are, nor is it the habit of putting ourselves down to seem modest. As C.S. Lewis noted, humility is not thinking less of ourselves — it’s thinking of ourselves less.”
When we stand beside Someone infinitely greater than us, we become quietly aware of our limits — and that’s where humility begins. Think of Moses, whose face radiated with God’s glory after encountering Him. Scripture tells us he didn’t even know it. He wasn’t aiming to be impressive. He was simply caught up in awe. That’s humility.
Trying to “measure” our humility is itself a subtle form of pride. Real humility doesn’t keep score. It doesn’t compare gifts. It doesn’t shrink from celebrating what others do well — or what we do well, by God’s grace. It simply walks in the light of what’s true — about God, about others, and about ourselves — with open hands and an unburdened heart.
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, wrote something profoundly relevant for our moment:
“If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way…” — 1 Peter 3:15–16 (NLT)
He wasn’t writing from a comfortable culture. He was writing to believers under pressure — often misunderstood, sometimes mistreated, and regularly reviled for their faith. Sound familiar?
Peter’s advice? Don’t be afraid. Don’t retaliate. Worship Christ as Lord. Be ready to explain your hope — but do it with gentleness and respect.
This, too, is humility.
In an age marked by digital outrage and polarized debate, the way of Jesus cuts through the noise. We don’t win people by shaming them. We don’t persuade through sarcasm. We love in truth. We explain with clarity. We respond with peace. And even when we are slandered, we keep our consciences clear by choosing the opposite spirit — the Spirit of Christ.
Faith in Jesus is surfacing again in public discourse — not only among Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and new believers, but also among unexpected cultural influencers and thought leaders. Something’s stirring. Could we be witnessing the early flickers of a new Jesus Movement?
I hope so. I pray so.
But if we are — and I believe we may be — we need to be a people marked not by arrogance or defensiveness, but by humble confidence. By holy love. By clear-eyed truth wrapped in gentleness and joy.
We don’t need to impress the world. We need to reflect Jesus.
So here’s a final encouragement for Christ-followers everywhere:
Take Peter’s words to heart. In a culture of fear, hate, and rage, be the ones who respond with humility, courage, and kindness. Be the ones who speak hope, even when misunderstood. Be the ones who reflect the face of the God who humbled Himself to dwell among us — and still does.
In a future post, I’ll explore how this call to humility is not a call to be doormats or enable abuse — but a strength formed in the image of Christ Himself.
Until then, walk gently. Speak boldly. Love deeply. And don’t be afraid to shine — even if you don’t notice it.
When most people hear the word prophecy, they imagine someone foretelling the future — a prediction about what’s going to happen next. And yes, that’s
Jesus said that He and the Father would come and make their “home” in us. This word “mone” is only used twice in the NT,
For the Christian, Scripture speaks of two “selves”: the old and the new — the carnal and the essential — the fallen and the resurrected.