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Lesson 13, Blessings From the Prophetic Word, closes the quarter with an invitation. God does not ask for blind belief. The evidence of His existence is strong, from the world of nature to the images sent back by the James Webb Space Telescope, which reveal both His power and His love. Even Peter, who heard God's voice on the mountain, pointed to a more sure word of prophecy (2 Pet. 1:18, 19), and we have that same prophetic word today. God has spoken through prophets whose writings are in the Bible and through those whose writings are not. The evidence is abundant, and the real question is whether we are open to receive it. Sunday shows that prophecy exalts Christ. Monday shows that it affirms the Bible, and Tuesday that it helps us tell truth from error. Wednesday looks at how prophecy comforts God's people. The last two days bring the whole quarter to a close. Thursday shows that prophecy helps unite the body of Christ, and Friday invites every reader to try the writings of Ellen White for themselves and to taste and see. After twelve weeks of asking how God speaks, who His messengers were, and how to test them, this final week asks a simple question: what difference does it make? The answer is that the prophetic word draws us to Jesus, grounds us in Scripture, guards us from error, comforts us in trouble, and unites us in mission. Prophecy Exalts Christ Revelation 12:17 and 19:10 tell us that the end-time remnant has the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy. The center of that testimony is always Jesus. Paul resolved to know nothing among his hearers except Christ crucified (1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 6:14). The apostles accepted Jesus because of the testimony of the prophets across many centuries. The Old Testament points to a coming Savior, and the New Testament shows Him fulfilling those promises. Saving faith has more to do with the heart than the intellect, and people who close their hearts often find that their minds follow. John 1:1-5 shows Jesus as the eternal Word who was involved in creation, so even prophecies that do not mention Him by name were given by the Spirit who pointed to Him. The Creator of the vast universe is also the One who died for you, and that is the reason for our hope. Prophecy Affirms the Bible The Bible came through the Holy Spirit's work with prophets, who spoke as they were moved by the Spirit (2 Pet. 1:21). Paul says that all Scripture is inspired and profitable (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). In earlier times, ordinary people often had no direct access to the Scriptures, and a word from God was precious. After His resurrection, Jesus used the Scriptures to explain His purpose to two discouraged disciples (Luke 24:27). Jesus, the Word and the greatest Prophet, always exalted Scripture. A genuine prophetic gift will always point people back to the Word of God as their rule of faith and practice. Prophecy Is God's Truth Detector There are thousands of Christian denominations, many with conflicting teachings, and the confusion is not new. Satan has used it since Eden, mixing enough truth with error to mislead (Gen. 3:1-5). He even tried it on Jesus in the wilderness, and Jesus answered every time with "It is written" (Matt. 4:1-11). Paul urged Timothy to preach the Word faithfully, knowing that a time would come when people would turn from sound teaching and gather teachers who tell them what they want to hear (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Those who refuse the truth may be given over to strong delusion, while those who are open will know the truth and be set free (2 Thess. 2:11, 12; John 8:32). The lesson suggests that when teachings such as the Sabbath and the state of the dead are tested by Scripture, the options narrow considerably. Prophecy helps us separate what is true from what only sounds true. Prophecy Comforts God's People Jesus invites all who are weary to come to Him and promises rest (Matt. 11:28, 29). God has always cared for human well-being. He prepared Eden, sought Adam and Eve after the Fall, promised a Savior, and provided clothing for them (Gen. 3:9, 15, 21). He told Isaiah to comfort Judah tenderly, even though they would be disciplined, and comfort is a theme through the whole book (Isa. 40:1-5; 49:13; 51:3). Believers who live godly lives will face persecution (2 Tim. 3:12), so the prophetic word strengthens God's people until Jesus returns. And after God comforts us, He asks us to comfort others with the same comfort we have received (2 Cor. 1:3, 4). Prophecy Unites the Body in Christ Before the cross, Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-23). That unity is not uniformity. It is a diverse body, united in Christ through the Spirit. Paul urged the Corinthians to be of the same mind and to stop dividing (1 Cor. 1:10-13). Unity matters because it helps the world believe that Jesus was sent by God, and division was a danger to the early church (Acts 6:1). The Spirit's gifts, including prophecy, equip believers and build up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God (Eph. 4:11-15). Try It Again The lesson encourages us to read Ellen White's writings directly, and not only learn about her, and to taste them for ourselves, as the psalm invites (Ps. 34:8). It cites a survey by Roger Dudley and Des Cummings that found regular readers of her writings tended to have a closer relationship with Jesus, more assurance of salvation, more regular family worship, and a greater desire to witness. Prophetic messages connect us with God, promote holy living, encourage evangelism and service, and prepare the church for its final mission before Jesus returns. Christ Connection Every blessing of the prophetic word in this lesson leads back to the same Person. Prophecy exalts Him, affirms the Word that testifies of Him, guards us against those who would counterfeit Him, comforts us in His name, and unites us in Him. The Word that was with God in the beginning is the One who invites the weary to come to Him and find rest. Reflection and Application 1. Paul said his whole life centered on Christ crucified. How does that purpose compare with the way you spend your time and energy? 2. Why did Jesus point the two disciples on the road to Emmaus to Scripture before revealing who He was, and what does it tell us about the role of the Word in our lives? 3. Where in your life do you need comfort and hope right now, and what has God enabled you to do for others after comforting you? 4. As a diverse church, how can we show the kind of unity that helps people believe in Jesus, and what threatens it? 5. Is there a prophetic book or passage you have never read for yourself? What would it take to try it this month? ✨ In essence: "Blessings From the Prophetic Word" shows that God has spoken through His prophets for good reasons. His word exalts Jesus, affirms the Bible, exposes error, comforts the weary, and unites His people. The invitation of the whole quarter is to hear, to taste, and to see that the Lord is good.