Prophets & Lunatics
Three data points make a pattern. One is a comment, two is interesting, three is information. I’ve had three unrelated people make the same unsolicited suggestion to me over the past month. All three have encouraged me in a direction that had not been on my radar. These folks do not know one another and the discussions have been centered on unrelated topics. It’s odd. Except it isn’t.
Truth will find us when we’re open to it. Openness requires noticing and listening to our hearts. I heard each of these suggestions because I’m learning to notice that flutter in my stomach; that reaction of my body and spirit that comes before the thoughts of my mind. At risk of claiming to be something I am not, each of these gracious folks commented at the increased pace and volume of my voice as I responded. My best introspection happens externally.
As I’ve processed these observations, I’ve noticed a few trends with those that offered their comment.
Each person offered their note in service to me. None was focused on themselves or their influence in my life. Each was available to serve.
Each person spoke in obedience. They noted a sense of obligation to comment — as if they were compelled to offer their observation.
Each took a risk. Their suggestion had the potential to land flat or strike offense with me, hurting our relationship. They took a relational risk.
This unique combination of service, obedience and risk-taking created a potent message.
Without service, their observations are lunacy
Without obedience, the observations are dictatorial
Without risk-taking, their observations are inane
Where truth meets grace, prophets emerge. Truth is spoken. ‘Prophet’ in one sense means ‘speaker or translator’. In Greek culture, a ‘Prophet’ spoke on behalf of the gods. The same is true in the Old Testament. The term has been hijacked to mean fortune-teller and further bastardized to connote ‘kook', which could be, but that’s not the essence.
I’m grateful for the prophets in my life. I’m grateful to those that speak truth in grace. I’m grateful that the unlike the prophets in the Old Testament, most of my ‘sayers’ still have their heads.