James Lasher.
The world can feel darker by the day, but God has not left us to stumble through it without direction. He has given us the prophetic Word as a light, revealing where history is headed and reminding us that Jesus Christ will return.
In a classic sermon, the late Christian minister Derek Prince urged believers not to reject biblical prophecy because others have distorted or sensationalized it.
“Don’t let the misuse of something good turn you away from something good,” Prince said. “We need to be careful how we apply it.”
Drawing from 2 Peter 1:19-21, Prince described the written prophecies of Scripture as “a light that shines in a dark place.” That light is especially important when confusion, fear and human answers threaten to distract us from God’s eternal plan.
“The world in which we live today is undoubtedly a dark place,” Prince said. “Furthermore, it’s getting darker. We need a light that will guide us through the darkness.”
Prophecy does more than tell us what will happen. It strengthens our faith, helps us understand the times and awakens an expectation for Christ’s return. For those of us who follow Jesus, His return is not a distant theological concept. It is our blessed hope.
“It’s the only hope for humanity,” Prince said. “Nothing else can ever meet all the desperate needs of the human race.”
Prince also warned against becoming consumed with prophetic mysteries while ignoring what God has already revealed. Our calling is not to endlessly debate timelines, but to obey the Lord.
“If we have revealed truth and obey it, God will give us more,” he said.
Matthew 24:14 gives us one unmistakable assignment: Preach the gospel of the Kingdom to every nation. Biblical prophecy should never leave us fearful or passive. It should fill us with hope, sharpen our spiritual focus and move us to share Jesus while there is still time.
