The Shamar Prophet

Prophets at the Gates

rebuked in the gates. This will prevent them from entering in and destroying the church. And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. (2 Kings 13:20) The bands of the Moabites invaded the land after the death of Elisha. This is a picture of what happens when prophets are removed. The Moabites could not invade as long as Elisha was living. His intercession kept the enemy out of Israel. The intercession of the prophet is a powerful restraint against the plans of darkness. ... but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. (2 Kings 6:12) Elisha was able to warn the king and prevent him from being ambushed. The prophet's ministry is preventive. It is better to prevent something from happening than reacting to it after it happens. The shamar aspect of the prophet's ministry can also be seen in the life of Samuel. So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines ALL THE DAYS OF SAMUEL. (1 Sam. 7:13) The Philistines were subdued and could not enter the coast of Israel as long as Samuel was alive. This gives us a picture of the power of a prophet's presence. The enemy hates the prophet because the prophet's presence thwarts his advances. He has done everything in his power to keep prophets from being recognized and operational in the church. This is often the result of unbelief, fear, or tradition. We are currently seeing the restoration of the prophetic ministry and a corresponding release of revelation and understanding concerning this ministry.

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