Finding our prophetic voice
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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He prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one (John 11:51b,52).
Read John 11:45–57
Have you heard any good prophecies lately?
What is a prophecy? Traditionally, it was a foretelling of the future inspired by God. It is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit. These days, when we hear talk about the future – of climate change leading to disaster, threats to national security, and war – there is not a lot of good news. However, Caiaphas had some good news: ‘Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one’.
Of course, Caiaphas was the high priest who sent Jesus to Pontius Pilate before the crucifixion. God used Caiaphas’ voice to foretell Jesus’ death and the impact that would have on the Jewish nation and beyond.
A prophetic voice is not only one that foretells the future – it is also about speaking the truth about what is happening in the present. I believe that it is important that the church (ie all Christian churches) uses its prophetic voice to speak out about injustice and wrongs present in our world today.
Within the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand, we have a formal process for this through the Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions that speaks into the church on such matters as earth care, domestic violence and refugees. It is not unusual for our church to combine with other churches on these matters and take a public stand about them. And, of course, there are the aged care and community services that support and advocate for people who are vulnerable and unable to make their own voices heard.
Given the abundant life that God has given us, surely we can generously share with others. During my time as director of Lutheran Community Care in South Australia, it was immensely humbling to see the generous way that people supported our work. We were blessed to receive donations from many people. The most precious was from those who had little but were prepared to share with us perhaps more than they could afford, knowing that God would continue to meet their needs.
God of the past, present and future, thank you for those who prophesy – particularly those who do so in a way that brings glory to you. Help us to be a prophetic voice in our community, speaking out against injustice and for those who are vulnerable and oppressed. Amen.
Colleen Fitzpatrick is a mother of two, grandmother of three and godmother of four. She is allegedly retired and lives in Adelaide. Colleen trained as a social worker, and after working in the foster care program at Lutheran Community Care in South Australia, she became the director and served in that role for 13 years. Colleen serves on a number of boards and committees within the LCA and the wider community.
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