Vagueness - 'I don't know what the picture of a one-legged blind donkey means!'

When I was studying theology Paul Reid (of Christian Fellowship Church) came to speak at chapel. He introduced himself saying something like, 'I'm a charismatic, but not the sort that says, "I've seen a picture of a one-legged blind donkey, I don't know what it means, but take it away with you."' Sadly I feel that I have heard of far too many visions that seem to be ridiculously vague. I've even wondered if we might be better banning the phase 'I don't know what it means' when it comes to prophecy and visions.

In fairness when Peter receives a vision instructing him to eat foods that the Jews considered unclean he is left wondering what it means (Acts 10:17). So it would go too far to ban 'I don't know what it means'! Yet the general picture of prophecy and visions in the New Testament seems to be of revelation that is clear. Yes it should be weighed (1 Cor. 14:29) but not because it's vague.

When the prophets and teachers were told by the Holy Spirit to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a particular work (Acts 13:1-2) they weren't left saying 'I don't know what it means.' When Paul receives a vision of a man calling him to come to Macedonia (Acts 16:9) he is not left thinking 'I don't know what this means.' When the prophet Agabus foretells what will happen to Paul in Jerusalem (Acts 21:11) the people are not left claiming 'we don't know what this means.' When Paul envisages an unbeliever coming into a meeting, and being exposed to prophecy, that unbeliever knows what it means as he has the secrets of his heart laid bare and falls down worshiping God (1 Cor. 14:24-25).

I think far too much of the supposed prophecy and visions that happen in some circles of our churches are far too vague. It begins with 'I don't know what this means' and ends with either guesses or confusion. I can't see how this builds up the church. To be honest most of it leaves me feeling more than a little sceptical. So let me warn you, if you come up to me and say, 'I've seen a picture of a blind one-legged donkey, I don't know what it means, but think about it,' I may think about it and conclude that you need to drink less coffee, get more sleep, eat fewer foods with certain e numbers in them, or that you are simply bonkers!