In short
- God often speaks in pictures and symbols, and Scripture is full of encounters that come with little explanation.
- Five questions help you interpret: literal or metaphor, what the symbol refers to, what it means, how to apply it, and what spirit it came in.
- Everything God says carries His nature. It is hope-filled, faith-giving, and full of love.
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
Have you ever had experiences with God that have left you wondering, "What was that?" Don't worry, because you're not alone.
The Bible is full of awe-inspiring stories of God. And many of these encounters were far from understandable. In fact, many times there is little to no commentary on why they are happening. Think of Ezekiel being lifted by the hair, encountering terrifying heavenly creatures, and performing some of the wildest acts as prophetic statements to God's nation. Or John, who was caught up in the Spirit and saw a series of revelations of heaven, angels, demons, a dragon, the Lamb, and all of the other things found in the book of Revelation.
These are wild experiences. And yet this is the God we serve. So what do you do when God decides to communicate through imagery, or says something that doesn't make sense? Here are tools to help you interpret what God says, whether in your dreams, visions, or even biblical prophetic literature.
1. Is it literal or metaphor?
Many visions in prophetic literature and many of Jesus' parables were metaphors. They depicted a reality on earth through symbolic language.
2. What does the symbol refer to?
In the book of Revelation, we can be confident that the Lamb represents Jesus, who was slain (Revelation 5). A snake could represent Satan or deception, but it can also represent wisdom depending on the context. Remember Jesus' words: "Be as shrewd as snakes" (Matthew 10:16).
3. What does the symbol mean?
Jesus is a lamb because the lamb is the symbol of sacrifice. Lambs were sacrificed in the Old Testament to atone for the sins of the people. The meaning of "the Lamb" is that He sacrificed Himself for us.
4. What is the application?
Does God want you to act on this, or simply to listen and learn? Ask God how you can respond if there is some action He is calling you to.
5. What spirit was it given in?
Does this revelation draw you closer to God or farther from Him? Does it align with Scripture? What does it stir in you? Fear, depression, dread, or pain may be indicators that the interpretation is wrong, that it wasn't God, or that God is revealing an area of fear in you that needs to be brought to Him.
The basis of all revelation from God is hope-filled, faith-giving, and full of love (1 Corinthians 13–14), because that is His nature. So we can use these fruits to discern what is God and what isn't.
Challenge
Take one thing God has given you and write it out. Then work through all five questions on paper: literal or metaphor, what it refers to, what it means, what to do with it, and what spirit it came in.
Pray
Holy Spirit, open my eyes to the ways You've already been speaking. Give me wisdom to understand, and a heart that responds to You.
