The Seers
What the Biblical Prophets can teach us about our HSP role in the Kingdom
Could the Biblical Prophets be HSPs?
Last week I was watching a Dr. Tim Mackie talk (watch here) to creatives on Seeing Differently. In the talk he discussed how in 1 Samuel 9:9, we learn that the prophets of Israel were originally called seers. I began to see the connection I knew was there all along, but didn't yet have the language for! Tim was connecting these seers to artists, but I could see how everything he was saying also applied to highly sensitives (who often are artists!)
Now, I’m not necessarily suggesting that all the prophets were HSPs (I’ll need to further study, research, and ponder) nor does it actually matter. What matters is what this can teach us about our roles as highly sensitives in the Kingdom.
There is no denying that highly sensitives experience the world differently. We absorb, we notice, we SEE more than others. We are … SEERS.
The first blog I stumbled across on the HSP trait a decade ago was discussing how HSPs were the seers and sages in history, but all of this was from a New Age perspective. Too much made sense, though, so I kept researching. As I studied the official scientific work on the trait (See Dr. Elaine Aron's work here) and it was confirmed the trait was real and not just some New Age sorcery, I began to wonder about this from a Kingdom perspective. It was clear to me this trait was a gift created by God. It wasn’t pagan or the result of demonic activity (despite the claims of some Christian circles...even still today. *sigh*). So, who were the sages and seers in the Bible? And, what was their role? How has this trait been used in the Kingdom of God? And, what does this mean for a modern follower of Jesus?
We are the Seers and sages of history. Seers - those who see what others can't, don't, or miss. Sages - the wise ones with a different perspective. There is nothing inherently magical about these, they are simply ancient words for those who are more sensitive and in tune. Our modern culture tends to always associate these words with sorcery, magic, and crystal balls…and they certainly are used in these contexts but in and of themselves are not “magical.” As we have already established, the Prophets in the Bible were once called the Seers! Let’s consider how these gifts can be used in a Christ-centered way.
First, let's explore some of the benefits to being seers:
As seers we have an ability to see the invisible. This helps us notice someone struggling despite their smile, predict a storm when the weather apps say the skies will be dry, and most importantly… we more easily sense what is not physical. God is often* easier for us to perceive. The Holy Spirit just feels right to us. (*of course there are many factors that can make this untrue for some HSPs. Please don't assume that because God feels distant in this season that means you aren't an HSP.)
If the prophets were indeed HSPs, it’s easy to understand how they had these mystical experiences with God others weren’t having. These experiences are more intuitive to a sensitive person.
As seers we notice patterns and can predict the future based on those patterns. It’s a lot less magical than it seems at first glance. Our brains simply function differently. The wiring of our brains helps us see connections others miss. The prophets saw where Israel was going off track and could see what the future would hold based on their actions. This is not to say they weren't partnering with the Holy Spirit, this is obviously true! But, perhaps God gave them the gift of high sensitivity to *better* partner with the Holy Spirit in this.
As modern followers of Christ this might look like intercessory prayer, seeing God working where others have lost hope, recognizing toxic church leadership for what it is, or mentoring the next generation well by seeing connections and disconnections between generations. It also means seeing people others don't see. The HSP Christ followers tend to be the ones more concerned with justice and helping the oppressed. They're the ones with the empathy to help a struggling neighbor or see the person behind an addiction.
We have a way of seeing that others don't and therefore we see the less tangible things that need tending in the Kingdom.
There are also challenges to being the seers:
It can be lonely to see what others don't. When you see the world so much differently than those around you, it can be quite isolating and lonely. It's easy to feel like the odd one out...because, frankly, you are the odd one in the group. People don't necessarily want to see what they're not seeing....when we point it out, it can make them uncomfortable. The prophets weren't exactly popular in their day. We read them today and honor their brave work, but at the time they weren't the Israelites favorite people.
Pride can interfere with God's work. We must be careful here. Just because we see what others don't see does not make us better than everyone else. It can be tempting to get cocky with this gift and exalt ourselves above others. Jesus is Messiah. Not us. He works through us and with us using the gift He gifted us with to further His Kingdom. We must remember Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
So, what is it it that YOU are seeing that others aren't that needs tending in the Kingdom? Who are the people you're seeing that others seem to ignore? What message might God be instilling on your sensitive heart that the world needs to hear? Is there something you're convinced you're the only one who sees it that way? Perhaps you're meant to see it differently. Perhaps God will use your voice and perspective to further His Kingdom.
The Kingdom needs seers. Lean in to the gift of seeing. He blessed you with seeing so you would be a light in His Kingdom. Seek the Holy Spirit and partner together to see.