Prophecy grounded in history (Luke 2:22-40)

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In the church we toss around this word “prophetic.” We use it as if we all agree on what it means. In my circles we seem to assume something like this: Israel’s prophets spoke the truth to power. They opposed injustice and idolatry. They risked not only their security but their lives confronting dangerous people with their abuses. To speak prophetically means to say uncomfortable things to people who find themselves compromised by greed, exploitation, and militarism. Speaking prophetically may cause division in the church. It can get a pastor fired.