The Shamar Prophet

The Shamar Prophet

they shall spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water. And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall no more be heard. (Ezek. 26:10 13) The RSV translation says, "and your mighty pillars will fall to the ground". Pillars refer to leadership. When there is a breach, the enemy comes in to remove the pillars. Another area of attack is the finances. The NEB says, "your wealth will become spoil". Another area of attack is the music. Praise and worship is attacked when there is a breach. The stones are removed. Believers are called "living stones". Breaches must be repaired. The gaps must be filled. This is why the shamar function of the prophet is so important. PROPHETS IN A PROPHETIC COMMUNITY Old Testament prophets were often rejected. Israel was a nation governed by the Mosaic Law. They were natural people without the new birth. Moses desired all of God's people to be prophets. The New Testament church is intended to be a prophetic community. The Holy Spirit is poured out upon all flesh causing the sons and daughters to prophesy. Prophets should be accepted within this prophetic community. They should minister in an atmosphere of love and acceptance. Prophets are a part of the Body of Christ. They must function with the measure of grace given to them by God. All of God's people should operate to some degree in the prophetic. All are not prophets, but all can prophesy. Prophets should feel welcome and comfortable operating in this prophetic community. Prophets should not feel isolated and rejected under the New Covenant. Prophetic intercession should be the norm. The For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (1 Cor. 14:31)

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