"What Type of Prophet Are You?"

Nabi, Ro'eh and Chozeh

In the Old Testament, there are three Hebrew words translated into our English word "prophet" or "seer": nabi, ro'eh, and chozeh. Nabi is generally the most used word for a prophet. It means "to bubble forth, as from a fountain," hence "to utter."

We read examples of nabi prophets in Scripture: "The Lord sent prophets among them to lead them back to Him. They warned the people..." (2 Chronicles 24:19) and "The Lord said to Jeremiah: 'Stand in the gate of the Lord's temple and proclaim this message...'" (Jeremiah 7:1-2).

In the time of Samuel, another word, ro'eh (meaning "seer"), began to be used. In Scripture it occurs 4 times in reference to Samuel and 7 times all together. 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)" (1 Samuel 9:9).

A seer typically receives prophetic revelation in dreams and visions and can also distinguish the messages of God embedded within creation. The word chozeh also means "seer" (2 Samuel 24:11), which is a synonym of ro'eh but a rarer Hebrew term that means "a beholder in vision" (see Strongs Concordance).

In 1 Chronicles 29:29, all three of these words are used: "Samuel the seer" (ro'eh), "Nathan the prophet" (nabi), "Gad the seer" (chozeh). 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.

Know Your Metron

Metron is a Greek word that means "a 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 overtly interested in regional outreach, but I strategically target nations with the message that I carry. Our different metrons are complimentary 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. One prophet and author wrote, "Most contemporary prophets believe that their metron stretches as far as their airplane tickets. 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; you are only responsible to Him and not to peer pressure or the mandates of others that appear popular.

Jennifer Eivaz, Executive Pastor
Harvest Christian Center, Turlock, CA
Email: info@jennifereivaz.com
Website: www.jennifereivaz.com

Jennifer Eivaz is the bestselling author of Glory Carriers, Seeing the Supernatural and The Intercessors Handbook. She is also a featured writer for several online publications including the Elijah List and Charisma Magazine. Jennifer is a vibrant minister and conference speaker who carries the wisdom and fire of the Holy Spirit. She is passionate to equip the Body of Christ for effectual prayer, to hear the voice of God accurately, and to experience genuine encounters with His glory. Jennifer loves the presence of God and is a prophetic voice to her church and to many others. Jennifer is the founder of Harvest Ministries International and an Executive Pastor with Harvest Church in Turlock, California. Jennifer is married to Senior Pastor of Harvest Church, Ron Eivaz, and they have two wonderful children.

Jennifer Eivaz's Itinerary:

February 21-22, 2020
Demonstrate Conference
Living Faith Church
10266 Battleview Parkway, Manassas, VA 20109
(for more itinerary information click here)

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