Ever tried describing a sunset over the ocean to someone who wasn't on the sandy shore sharing the tapestry of light unfolding before you?
How do you describe the grandeur and immensity of green forests with millions of trees looming upwards toward gray granite peaks framed with thunderclouds?
How do you describe the sights and sounds of birth to someone who isn't present during that miraculous moment of new life?
Does this sound like a lesson in futility? Sure! But we have all tried. And we do our best because we desire to share that moment in time.
Well, we are not alone. God inspired the apostle Paul to "describe the indescribable" regarding an event that has not even occurred yet. Now try that! But it's as if God wants us to be able to stand on the shore, be on the mountain peak or be in the room at the big moment to gain a sense of a truly stupendous event to take place in the future.
It is almost like He is placing us in position and saying, "I want you to stand right here and take it all in; and by the way, you, too, will be inserted in that big event. So get the picture, but be ready to rise up!"
What am I talking about?
Almost 2,000 years ago, the apostle Paul shared a colorful prophecy with new Christians in the city of Thessalonica. What he shared is often mentioned at funerals and memorial services as words of hopeful encouragement. But these words are also bold declarations of prophetic understanding.
Prophecy (from the Greek propheteia) is not only about "forth-telling" what God has done or is accomplishing, but has a dual application in "foretelling" what He chooses yet to perform as a part of His perfect will. In essence, this word expresses God's sovereignty over what has been, is and is yet to be. All are simply one seamless world to Him.
