1 Corinthians 14:20-33
How can we understand being a prophet in our day? There are some in the world that we might consider prophets: Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Theresa, Gandhi – people who critiqued the established institutions and struggled for justice. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul recognizes the gifts of prophets because they speak in a vernacular understood by all.
Though at first glance, it might seem that Paul is condemning the use of tongues in worship, he presents instead a warning: an excess of speaking in tongues should not drown out the need to interpret these words thoughtfully and carefully. Yes, he says, there is excitement in being touched by the Holy Spirit, but – as in all relationships with God – it is two-sided: God inspires by the Holy Spirit, but we as people must also take time and be patient to understand what is being given to us.
There is something to be said about the spontaneity of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and we should not detract from the joy found in their presence among us. But spontaneity does not mean that we go blindly forward without thought for what might come ahead. We must recognize the unexpectedness of such a gift from God, we must reflect upon it as a doorway into God, and then we can go forward.
-Josh Zentner-Barrett
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