Phillip S. Phinn, Contributor

God may bring a word for a person or a nation because His ultimate purpose is to call His people back unto Himself. The prophetic word, when given, may not seem "accurate" to one and all "for we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part, shall be done away." (1 Corinthians 13 v 9-10)

This is evident in 1 Samuel 16. The instructions given there called for the prophet Samuel to conduct the "prophetic acid test". So Samuel met with Jesse and his sons, one of whom would be chosen and anointed king.

The Lord could have told Samuel by name who was selected for kingship but instead, He allowed for Jesse's seven sons to "pass before Samuel". All seven were unacceptable by the Lord's word given unto Samuel. Finally, the youngest child, David, was brought in to face Samuel "and the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he".

Clearer revelation

The prophetic acid test today is a decisive test conducted by the company of prophets not restricted to geographical location, as they seek individually and collectively to gain clearer revelation from God concerning that which their spirit may be hearing, in relation to a nation or individual(s).

According to 2 Corinthians 13 v 1, establishing the worth or credibility of such revelation comes from two or three bearing witness by the Holy Ghost. The prophetic word will also have to pass the acid test of validity. Such a test, when proven valid, may be summed up in Ezekiel 33 v 33, "And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come), then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them."

The New Testament also identifies a prophet called Agabus who passed such an acid test of validity, at a national level. He came from Jerusalem into Antioch "and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar." (Acts 11 v 28)

The same Spirit of God spoke to Abraham and told him his descendants would have their own country and though the inspired word was perhaps written 1400BC, the word in Genesis 15 v 18 "to your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates". In the year 1948 it was so manifested after many Jews from around the world returned to the land of Israel, and the Jews issued a declaration of independence.

This was the first time in 2,900 years Israel was united and independent. National prophecy is just as important to God as it was important for Him to give Abram a name change. (Genesis 17 v 5) Abraham was called to be a father to the nations while Agabus was called to be a prophet to the nation of Antioch and one to deliver a personal prophecy to Paul as well.

As seen in Acts 21 v 10-14, Agabus told Paul that his hands and feet would be bound and that he would be delivered to the Gentiles but he was not dismayed. And so it was as the prophet Agabus had spoken, as seen in Acts 21 v 15-36.

Once a prophetic word is given to an individual or a nation and that prophet is true, then it shall come to pass. If the word given is "in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word shall be established". (2 Corinthians 13 v 1)

The Rev. Dr. Phillip S. Phinn is president & senior pastor at Word of Life Ministries International. He may be reached at wolmi10@yahoo.com