Prophecy, even the word is intriguing. For humanity it has an undying appeal, abundantly evident today in the growth of psychic phenomenon. And yet, just what is prophecy? It may be surprising to know that contrary to many of our assumptions, the true gift of prophecy is not as prevalent as it may seem. As Jeannie Cole states in her introduction to Burning Hearts, "a prediction is not a prophecy. A prophecy is generally detached from the present. It is a truth that cannot be drawn, concluded, or deduced from anything in the past or the present. It must therefore come from an inspired source...."

The Bible, a book that stands entirely on its source in inspiration, is packed with prophecies. Personal one's given to individuals, and far reaching ones that encompass millennia of history and progressions of empires. As one turns the Bible's pages, it does not take long to see that God uses prophecy as one of the ultimate evidences of His existence. He states, "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure..." Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV

Evidence of existence, however, is not God's only reason for rolling back the curtain of the future. Another reason is love. If the Bible makes nothing else clear, the one message it resounds with ringing certainty is the message of God's intense personal emotion for every individual of earths family (see John 3:16). He is passionately and relentlessly in pursuit of our hearts and the reinstatement of our original peace and planet. This is the story behind history, and the story behind prophecy.

The Bible explains that life on this globe is not a mere round of chance. To the contrary earth is the seething hub of the Universes' greatest battle and consequently greatest interest. We were placed here for a purpose, it states and that purpose was poisoned. Our present environment, colored as it is by death, war, sickness, violence, and lack of personal peace is not what God had in mind, and definitely not acceptable to Him. In His all out, no holds bared, passionate commitment to reclaim our hearts and our planet, prophecy is Gods gracious way of letting us know His next move. He want's us to be ready for it. He want's us to be on His side of the war. As our key text states, "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he reveals his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos 3:7 KJV

However, God is not in the business of spoon-feeding. We have to put some effort into decoding His revelations. This is the challenge of prophecy and the school of God. He knows that what we work for we value most.

In a number of Bible prophecies, especially those of Daniel and Revelation, God uses codes and symbols. Understanding their meaning is essential to understanding Bible prophesies, for example, a prophecy in Revelation 17:15 uses the word "water" to represent people. And in Ezekiel 4:6 we are told that one day equals one year in prophetic time.

Many prophecies, which use codes and symbols, are followed by an explanation of their meaning. It is important to pay close attention to these explanations, and to note where the prophecy and its explanation begin and end. Studying inductively and maintaining integrity to context is vital to prophetic interpretation, not to mention, tremendously rewarding.

Prophesy, more than anything else in the Bible gives us a glimpse into God's perspective and passion. Pulsing with His zeal for integrity, peace, compassion and the end of evil, his prophetic messages reverberate with the assurance of His ultimate victory in the great battle with death, suffering and sorrow. For an infusion of hope, tempered by a strong dose of realism the study of Biblical prophecy is an enriching experience. Enjoy your journey as you embark on this great expedition into the heart of God.