Prophetic words of warning that seem harsh and out of sync with the calm illusion of a forever stable status quo can disrupt those living on the beach of assumption who are lounging in their illusion. These disruptive words come long before the tsunami of reality breaks on the shore. These words seem out of time, even rude in their delivery. They are like warning buoys positioned hundreds of miles offshore that detect an approaching tsunami long before it is realized by those on the beach.

Many of us have been taught that prophetic words can only sound positive, and hope-filled. The majority are, but not all. I Corinthians 14:3 is a major proof text used to support that teaching, “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.” While some prophetic words may have those three elements, they can also be the by-products of a harsh word of warning that at the time of its delivery sounded nothing like a warm and affirming word. Only in retrospect will we experience the by-products of strength, encouragement, and comfort.

To stand on the beach of our culture and announce that an incoming tsunami of devastating proportions is inbound will disturb people. That disturbance can lead people to reject what is being announced. Dismissal, name-calling, and questions about the integrity of the person who delivers such words will take place What is the option? Is it to remain silent and allow people to walk further into a deeper place of jeopardy following the ever-receding waterline while remaining uninformed of what is coming?

Be careful to not dismiss uncomfortable prophetic words that warn us of impending disaster, even if the word is disconcerting. Some of these warnings will reveal incoming political or financial tsunamis. Others will warn us of what living in a world without a biblical definition of morality will be like. 

When warnings are first issued, the wise will move to the higher ground of an informed trust in God and obedience to His word. From that secure place, after the tsunami has moved onshore and brought with it unimagined destruction, they will look back on what happened and only then experience the strength, encouragement, and comfort that comes when a tsunami has crashed onshore and they survived. At that moment, they are thankful they heeded the prophetic warning.