I have mentioned that there are Seer prophets and other kinds of prophets. In the Old Testament, there are three Hebrew words translated into our English word “prophet” or “seer”: nabi, roeh, and hozeh.Nabi is the most generally used word for a prophet. It means “to bubble forth, as from a fountain,” hence “to utter.” We read examples of nabi prophets, “The Lord sent prophets amongst them to lead them back to Him. They warned the people…” (2 Chron. 24:19) and “The Lord said to Jeremiah: ‘Stand in the gate of the Lord’s temple and proclaim this message…’” (Jeremiah 7:1). In the time of Samuel another word, ro’eh, meaning “seer”, began to be used and occurs seven times in reference to Samuel. We read, “Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he spoke thus: ‘Come, let us go to the seer’; for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer” (I Sam. 9:9). A seer typically receives prophetic revelation in dreams and visions and can also distinguish the messages of God embedded within creation. And then another word, hozeh, also means “seer” (2 Sam. 24:11), which is a synonym of ro-eh but a rarer Hebrew term that means “to see in a vision.” In 1 Chronicles 29:29, all these three words are used: “Samuel the seer (ro’eh), Nathan the prophet (nabi), Gad the seer” (hozeh).
These three functions have carried over into the New Testament as well. The diversity of New Testament prophets is mostly centered on the prophet’s metron as well as how they primarily receive God’s voice. A metron is a Greek word that means the measure or limited portion. The apostle Paul wrote, “We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us…” (2 Corinthians 10:13). Frank Damazio, author and former Senior Pastor of City Bible Church in Portland, Oregon wrote this, “In 2 Corinthians 10:12-18, Paul exposes the faulty way that ministries evaluate themselves by using the measuring rod of others. Evaluating themselves by themselves is acting unwisely, and in fact, is harmful. Paul’s key ministry concept that he personally lived by is that he knew his ‘measure, his ‘rule.’ Ministry identity, style, and motives all rest on the understanding of the ministry metron – the sphere God has drawn for you.”
My husband, Ron, and I are perfectly paired in this regard. He’s an apostle and not a prophet, but all five-fold ministers host a metron as determined by Jesus Christ. Ron’s sphere is distinctly regional and includes our city and all of the surrounding cities. Mine is more global given that I was called as a prophet to the nations. Ron is not overtly interested in reaching nations but carries an obvious authority for church leadership within the regional community. I’m not overly interested in regional outreach, but I strategically target nations with the message that I carry. Our different metrons are complementary to one another’s and highly effectual as long as we as individuals remain within our ministry spheres.
Prophets are given their designated sphere of authority by Jesus, something He will communicate, confirm, and clarify. They are most effective within that sphere and need to be mindful to not try to operate outside of it. “Most contemporary prophets believe that their metron stretches as far as their airplane tickets,” wrote one prophet and author. “At times, this may be true for national/global prophets, but for local prophets, it’s dangerous to go where you haven’t been called. Any attempt to minister in an area that you haven’t been graced or equipped for can subject you to the attack of territorial spirits in that region.” My experience is that you are never totally immune to such attacks, but there is a marked grace to overcome when you’ve stayed within your sphere. Different spheres include local prophets who are called to build the church locally or are assigned to just one church. Some prophets are called to build one of the “seven mountains of society,” which are religion, family, education, government, media, arts & entertainment, and business. Other prophets are assigned to a nation or a cluster of nations. Remember that one sphere is not better than the other. Jesus is the one who calls you and you are only responsible to Him and not to peer pressure and the mandates of others that appear popular.
2. https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/prophet/; http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/prophet.html
Biography:
Jennifer Eivaz is a minister and international conference speaker with a heart to equip the church in the supernatural and for raising up passionate and effective prayer. She is a content contributor for many online Christian publications, has been featured on several Christian television shows, hosts the popular podcast Take Ten With Jenn, and authored several bestselling books. Jennifer and her husband, Ron, co-pastor Harvest Church, now meeting in several locations – in addition to hosting a thriving online campus. They also have two wonderful children.
Jennifer Eivaz's Website: www.JenniferEivaz.com
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