Christopher Wickland who identifies as one of the so called “patriot pastors” linked to Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom protest shared this claimed prophecy on Facebook today.
I want to respond here for two reasons, first of all because I myself had a dream recently that seemed to touch on the same issue of “war” but with a very different understanding. We will come to that shortly. Secondly, because this hasn’t come out of nowhere. As I note above. Christopher Wickland is prominent among the so called “patriot pastors” and what he says reflects a level of agitation I’ve been hearing from those quarters for some time.
After my own recent dream, I woke up with the words going through my head “war is coming and it’s not the war you were expecting.” I’ve heard of others having similar dreams and words. So, perhaps I might be tempted to agree with and endorse Wickland. However, I had a strong sense that this meant not a physical war external or civil (though I’m not claiming insight as to whether either of those would happen, just that this wasn’t the point). Rather, the point was spiritual war and the danger of Christians becoming isolated and the need to guard hearts.
So, it is possible that Christopher Wickland has had a dream about “war” but I believe his interpretation is mistaken. Indeed, I’m particularly concerned about two aspects of his claimed prophetic word. First, observe the embracing of Enoch Powell’s “Rivers of Blood” speech. I explained here why Christians should have nothing to do with what was an overtly racist speech and which had nothing to do with the Christ and true prophecy.
Secondly, it is one thing to observe the dangers of a coming civil war and the other to in effect take sides. If there is conflict between Islam, far left or secular liberal ideologies and the ethno-cultural nationalism of the far right, then each of those at best represents non-Christian beliefs and at worst anti-Christian idolatry. Yet Wickland’s words suggest a taking of sides. I am reminded of Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s army where Joshua asks if the commander is on his side and the response is clear, that the real question is whether Joshua is on the Lord’s side.
Wickland talks about where blame lies but surely those who aggitate, who march, who stoke fears, who put up flags as territorial declarations must share responsibility for any trouble that comes. Surely if there is something prophetic about coming unrest, then our concern would be to seek ways for that unrest not to come and if some people claim to have influence with agitators, they should use that influence well. But if conflict comes, then our focus should be on what Christ would say to his church in the middle of struggle. Scripture has much to say on what the Church is to do in such troubled times. The answer is to remain faithful, to obey our mission and to lift up our heads and look to the Lord’s return. Jesus says that his sheep know his voice. His voice is learned in Scripture. Wickland’s words (the interpretation bit) simply do not have the authentic ring of the Great Shepherd of the Flock’s voice. Now there are a number of reasons as to why this might be but one real possibility is that Wickland is force fitting things into the agenda he has already committed to.
Back to the question of what “war is coming” might mean. As I said, the real focus for Christians is meant to be on Spiritual Warfare. There is a real danger of Christians becoming isolated and falling for the agenda of ethno-cultural Nationalism. Our call is to fight a war on sin and temptation in our own lives. Our call is not to label people to the left if us as Communists, falling for far right historic rhetoric. It certainly is not to choose sides in a hypothetical civil war or get caught up in stoking what risks becoming self fulfilling prophecy. Nor is it to fight a culture war with Islam. Rather it is to keep talking to people about our wonderful saviour, Jesus. This means getting to know and love both our Muslim and non Christian neighbours.
In that sense, yes there is a choice to make right now. You can either choose the false gospel of Christian Nationalism and other idols and those who are seeking to spread fear and hate, or you can choose Jesus and the Gospel.
Faithroots 