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Hosea 12:13 reveals to us one of the major functions of the prophet’s ministry, preservation. Israel was delivered from Egypt through the ministry of Moses. Israel was preserved through the intercession of Moses (Num.14:11-20). Preserve means to keep from harm, damage, danger, or evil. It also means to protect or save. The word preserved is from the Hebrew word Shamar. Shamar means to hedge about (as with thorns), to guard, to protect, to watch, to beware. This word emphasizes the protective element of the prophet’s mantle. The word shamar is first used in scripture in Gen.2:15. Adam is told to keep (shamar) the garden. It is also mentioned in Gen.4:9. Cain asks God is he his brother’s keeper (shamar).
The preserving and guarding aspect of the prophet’s ministry is needed in every local church. This is accomplished through intercession, discernment, praise, preaching, teaching and worship. This helps defend the church against error, heresy, witchcraft, carnality, perversion, legalism, sin, and deception. Each church should develop and train the prophets that have been set in the assembly by God. A failure to do so can result in a local church suffering from many attacks that could have been averted. A revelation of the prophet’s ministry is vital to the success and health of the church. A revelation of the shamaraspect of the prophet’s ministry will help churches protect and defend the flock.
Shamar means to guard, to keep, to be a watchman. It can refer to guarding a flock, the heart, the mind, a nation, or a city from outside attack or ungodly influences. It is used in reference to keeping (guarding) the gates or entries to cities. Each local church needs a prophetic guard. This is not one prophet, but a company of prophets who help guard the church from the invasion of the enemy. Churches that develop the prophetic ministry will have the advantage of being protected through prophetic intercession and the shamar aspect of the prophet’s ministry.
To guard means to protect, watch over, stand guard over, police, secure, defend, shield, shelter, screen, cover, cloak, preserve, save, conserve, supervise, keep under surveillance, control, keep under guard, govern, restrain, suppress, keep watch, be alert, take care. Synonyms for guard include protector, defender, guardian, custodian, watchman, sentinel, sentry, patrol, and garrison. These words help define the shamar aspect of the prophet’s ministry.
The church has often been taught that pastors are the spiritual guardians of the church, while neglecting the ministry of prophets. The church was never intended to function with only pastors. Prophets have also been set in the church (1 Cor.12:28). Churches that ignore the prophet’s ministry will not be able to withstand the attacks of hell in the last days. Many well-meaning pastors have suffered unnecessarily due to the lack of understanding of the prophet’s ministry. When the LORD establishes a church, he will set prophets within that church. Churches must be built with apostolic wisdom that will include the recognition and release of prophets. The shamar aspect of the prophet’s ministry is one of the most important that will benefit the church.
Excerpt from the Shamar Prophet by John Eckhardt
Published by Crusaders Ministries
Copyright © 2006
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