Who Can Interpret the Times?

A good starting point for interpreting revelation is to simply ask the “why.” Why was it sent? What is its purpose?

Posted on

This is a time of revelation. It is a time of uncovering truth and exposing lies. Both personally and collectively, the Holy Spirit is digging deep into those things that have been hidden in times past to free us of the roadblocks that are keeping us from our destiny.

But even in this time of revelation, it is also a time of confusion. Though we look at the signs of the times and talk of all that is being revealed in our nation, there are many different interpretations of their meaning and their purpose. Whether it be headlines and breaking stories, words or impressions in prayer, or dreams and visions of things to come, understanding these various revelations is causing much debate. The growing number of various predictions and timelines concerning our future is leaving many scratching their heads. We are finding it painfully obvious that getting a revelation is one thing, but interpreting it is another.

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:56 ESV)

Most all who are spiritually attuned in this hour agree that a mighty move of Holy Spirit is soon coming upon the earth. But, is He coming to move us into place or take us out of the fray? Is He coming in the Last Day exposure of the Anti-Christ or ushering in an era of Kingdom expansion long before that last and final Day? Depending on one’s interpretation of the revelations given, we are headed in two different directions!

A revelation is simply the “raw data” that is presented in a dream, a vision, a passage of Scripture, or a word. It is that initial “intel” that is seen or heard, outside of human initiative. According to 1 Corinthians 2:13, true revelations are not born of the flesh but can only come by the Spirit. But this is also true of interpretation. In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel received many visions and revelations, but he needed an angel to interpret them for him (see Daniel 7:15-16). In the New Testament, we are taught about the gifts of the Spirit. One is the gift of tongues in an unknown language. But there is also another gift of interpreting that tongue (see 1 Corinthians 12:10). Spiritual interpretation was so important to the early Church that the apostle Paul said that if there was no interpretation available, one was to stay silent (see 1 Corinthians 14:28).

As a prophetic dreamer for many years, I have realized how subjective interpretation can be. The more symbolic a revelation is, the more subjective an interpretation can be. It’s no wonder that the most prophetic books in the Bible that are the most symbolic (Daniel, Ezekiel, Revelations), are also the most divisive among believers concerning the End Times. Books have been written on these interpretations and entire ministries have been built on various perspectives of these “last day” passages. The question is, have these interpretations made us more unified as a result?

My whole point in sharing this is simple. Perhaps we need to reconsider the weight that we place upon these various interpretations and look more closely at the initial revelations. For example, the most important revelation concerning the End Times is that Jesus is coming back for a glorious Bride without spot or wrinkle (see Ephesians 5:27). Rather than debating when and how this is going to happen, we should focus on being fully ready for His return. This not only has to do with our salvation but our sanctification. The Bride that Jesus is returning for is not divided in purpose, irrelevant to the culture, or void of power over our adversaries. His Bride will be one of unrivaled spiritual authority and oneness of the Spirit that overcomes every foe and principality that stands against His throne. This alone should cause many to examine our current state and our readiness to assume that role.

Another revelation given in the past two years through countless dreams, visions, and prophetic impressions, is that President Trump has been anointed and appointed to serve two consecutive terms as President of this nation. Since the 2020 election, the various interpretations of how and when this is supposed to manifest have been greatly debated, and greatly divisive. It has become quite obvious that the true spiritual interpretation of that revelation has not yet been given. Does that disqualify the initial revelation? Or, does it call us to be even more diligent in separating out any interpretation of our own imagination and pursue only what the Spirit reveals. (In a recent YouTube video, I suggest looking deeper into the sovereign season of time we are in when considering God’s specific purpose in this revelation.)In 1 Chronicles 12:32, the sons of Issachar were known to have “understanding of the times” in “knowing what Israel should do.” Perhaps they were demonstrating a taste of this gift of the Spirit in interpretation that is so desperately needed today. It is not enough to have a revelation of the Spirit. We must also rightly discern the purpose for which it was sent.

So shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

A good starting point for interpreting revelation is to simply ask the “why.” Why was it sent? What is its purpose? Rather than fixating on the fulfillment of a word or promise, I believe Holy Spirit is compelling us to dig deeper; to search for the treasures of His heart and not just the timing of His plans. Rather than handing us the manifestation of these revelations on a silver platter, He is lovingly forcing us to ask more questions and give fewer predictions. Reminding us of the power of the secret place, He continually invites us to listen more carefully and discern more deeply the inner workings of His heart and His ways.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. (Ephesians 1:17 NIV)

Ultimately, revelations are given in order to know Him better. Like hidden treasures, they are given to reveal more of His heart, His glory, and the workings of His Kingdom. That which is to come is not about validating our impressions or proving our interpretations but revealing the Christ and the majesty of His reign. Interpretations will come and go, but the revelation of Christ will always be the greatest pearl of all.

 

 

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Wanda Alger
Featured Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

 

 

 

The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.

About the Author

Wanda Alger is a Kingdom Winds Contributor. She is a recognized fivefold prophetic minister with DOVE USA (dcfi.org) and has a passion to equip and empower the saints for the work of ministry! She has produced five books, numerous video, and audio teaching series, and is currently working on her next project which will be addressing personal freedom and deliverance. Stay tuned!