“You must once again prophesy for many peoples, nations, languages, and rulers.”

We have just come through a presidential election season in the United States.  Whether on the national or on a local level, much rhetoric was bandied about...supporting this or that candidate, cause, or issue.  It is not hard to imagine that whether it was a national or local figure, or any citizen, most people spoke with passion regarding her or his stance.  To what extent were those words spoken with the authority of a prophet?  With experience as a foundation?  Was it about righting a wrong - promoting the cause of the marginalized and seeking justice, or was it self serving - seeking to have power over others…and to gain ‘more’ for our side?

Words:  who commands us to speak…what to speak?  Who is our authority?  Do I trust my inner authority also?  Experience teaches us much…but only if we take time to reflect and contemplate on what that experience means in our life.

In the Book of Revelation, John eats the scroll with God’s word.  It tastes wonderful, but later it turns his stomach.  How often have we learned through experience and/or heard something, even said it aloud, and then discovered that there is a churning within us…?  What’s going on?  Why do we feel almost ill?  Perhaps it was because we haven’t fully digested what we heard/learned before we spoke it.

OR…perhaps we did spend time inviting our God into our reflection, and we are aware that it is NOW time to speak.  However, in the speaking, the tumult increases.  And we wonder what it is, that is upsetting us?

Jesus also spoke words in the temple that I’m sure caused some indigestion.  As he commands the moneychangers out of the temple, and calls it a "den of thieves," I’m sure he knew that this would not be very popular.  However, he was willing to do it…and he was full of emotion.  I’m sure the adrenaline was rushing…(even just anger may have an impact on our bodies, our psyches…).  And yes, he had reason to perhaps have an upset stomach…the scribes and pharisees are eager to destroy him.  However, at this point in time, the populace is listening to Jesus, and "hanging on his every word."

In these months and years following our elections will we simply gloat or bemoan the present results of the election?  Regardless of whether our candidates, and/or our issues, and/or our concerns "won" or "lost," how will we live and speak - NOT giving up on our principles, yet willing to work with others for change?

Will our words (and deeds) taste like honey in our mouth, but cause us indigestion?

Will we be able to work and speak in ways that build bridges with those whom we do not see ‘eye to eye’?  Where do we reconcile? And where do we push forward with our message, hoping to "prophesy" – to continue to raise the social consciousness, regardless of who or what was voted in by the people. 

How will our words and deeds reflect God’s presence…and how will we prophesy for many peoples, nations, languages and rulers where we live?