What is PROPHECY and its purpose and how can it be implemented into ARTWORK?
To begin I want to define the spiritual gift of prophecy as found in the Scriptures. Paul mentions prophecy as a spiritual gift in 1 Corinthians that has the purpose of” encouraging, strengthening, and building up or comforting” its recipient, either individually or corporately. It is hearing from the Lord through the Holy Spirit on someone’s behalf and sharing it with them. It may come as a word, image, or vision. Paul also admonishes us to “eagerly desire and seek after the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy” and refers to it as “revelation” in 1 Corinthians 14:1,30.
We see prophecy throughout the Old Testament coming from prophets of God sent to speak on His behalf to His people. In the New Testament, this gift is given to everyone. Jesus had mentioned several times that his apostles were going to be given “a gift from the Father” and they were not to leave the city until they did. He was referring to the Holy Spirit. (John 14 and 16).
In the book of Acts, at Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out and the result was “pillars of fire, the room shaking, and the sound of mighty rushing waters. All were inspired to speak in tongues, languages they had never learned .” The apostle Peter received the gift of preaching and stood up and quoted Joel 2:28 and proclaimed it was being fulfilled.
“I will pour out my Spirit on everyone and cause your sons and daughters to PROPHESY and young men will see visions and old men will dream dreams. The Holy Spirit will come on men and women alike and they will PROPHESY.” ACTS 2:2-4,16-18
Prophecy is one of the main outward manifestations of the Holy Spirit, according to these verses. It is described as being very visual, given through dreams and visions.
Prophetic Art is simply the creative vehicle used to illustrate and display the prophetic word given.
Why prophesy? Author Shawn Bolz in his book “Translating God” states that prophesy, hearing God’s voice for others, is the greatest gift of God we can give. When a person hears a word from the Lord they feel seen, understood, and loved by Him in a powerful way. Just imagine how powerful it is when they see a beautiful depiction of the word communicated through artwork!