It’s time for the Davids to arise with prophetic warfare strategies that bring God’s will to the land. That’s what rings in my spirit as I continue my news coverage about the crisis in Egypt from a natural and biblical perspective.
A recent article called for the prophets in the land to step forth and questioned why prophets in Egypt were so silent in such a critical hour. There could be any number of reasons why we’re not hearing much from prophets in Egypt. Maybe they are crying out in travail even now. Maybe fear has gripped their hearts. Or maybe their prophetic utterances just aren’t making it beyond the borders of the nation.
Whatever the case may be, I believe we should take the crisis in Egypt as a wake-up call. I believe God is more apt to speak to the prophets in the land who are actively praying for their nation in good times and bad. I believe in patriotic prophets who will stand in the gap for their nation and speak forth a prophetic word boldly whether it’s popular or not.
The Patriotic Prophet’s Role
Ezekiel was a patriotic prophet. He proved his love for the nation of Israel over and over again in ways that were sacrificial, uncomfortable and downright humbling. In utter obedience to the word of the Lord, Ezekiel, for example, married an unfaithful wife. In total submission to the Spirit of God, Ezekiel laid on one side of his body then the other for months on end.
In fact, in an effort to demonstrate the heart and mind of God, Ezekiel executed some of the strangest prophetic acts in the Bible. Ezekiel wasn’t the only patriotic prophet in the Word of God, though. There are many nationalistic nabis (seer). Indeed, prophets who were loyal to God and country at all costs make the annals of the prophetic ministry. I pray that this same spirit will sweep over every prophet in every nation today as they seek to do the will of God without compromise.
Whether you are a watchman assigned to the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Egypt, or some other nation that is under attack from dominion-seeking false religions, oppressive governments, or secular humanistic ideology (and it’s hard to think of a nation where that description does not apply), your role is to stand in the gap and intercede for God’s will. The way I see it, instead of boasting about how we are “prophets to the nations” we should make doubly sure that we are prophets to our own nations first. After all, they say, charity begins at home.
Let’s talk about repenting on behalf of a nation. Falling on your face in deep repentance and asking God to heal the land may not sound as exciting to many as hollering at the devil and fervently flailing your arms. And I agree that it’s not as much fun in practice, but it’s not about showing off spiritual warfare skills, is it? It’s about standing in the office of the prophet, functioning in that role the way God directs. There are times to shout the victory the way the Israelites did at Jericho. And there are times to weep and cry in repentance, as did Jeremiah. I would urge you, prophets and intercessors, to seek God for the prophetic warfare strategy that He wants to execute in this time and this season.
Prophetic Warfare Strategies
Remember King David, a prophet and a mighty man of war? David consulted God with the memorable query: “Shall I go up?” But as David matured he wasn’t always satisfied with a “yes” or “no” answer from his commander in chief. He depended on the Lord to offer him an assurance of victory, a specific, customized prophetic warfare strategy, and specific instructions for battle. Pressing in for prophetic strategies is a sign of maturity because, I dare say, young prophets may spend a lot of time screaming at the devil, or as the apostle Paul put it, buffeting the air. In doing so, it’s quite possible that they could wind up fighting against the very will of God.
Like David, our spiritual warfare must be waged from a position of victory.
That means knowing who you are in Christ and the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. Know this: Although God’s battle plans are always successful, they may differ from skirmish to skirmish. That’s why we need prophetic strategies. Just because Joshua and the Israelites marched around Jericho seven times, let out a shout, and watched the walls fall down doesn’t mean that’s applicable for every situation (see Josh. 6). (The Lord has never directed anyone I know to do such a thing.) Likewise, just because Jehoshaphat and his crew defeated the enemy with praise and thanksgiving without ever lifting a finger to fight doesn’t mean that will work in all occasions (see 2 Chr. 20). Praise is always appropriate, but sometimes you have to enter into the battle with the whole armor of God and fight.
David understood this. When he encountered the Philistines at the Valley of Rephaim the first time, he inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord responded, “Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you” (2 Sam. 5:19, NIV). David was victorious in battle, but he didn’t let it go to his head.
When the Philistines came up and spread out in the valley the second time, David didn’t make presumptions. He inquired of the Lord again. This time, the Lord had a different battle plan: “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army” (2 Sam. 5:23-24, NIV).
Where Are the Deliverers?
Of course, David and his mighty men won again, striking down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
It’s important to note here that David was fighting for his nation. His acts were patriotic. He was a deliverer. He was a warrior. He was a reformer— all earmarks of true prophets. Sure, David could have rested in his popularity after defeating Goliath. He could have sent his army out to do the fighting. Or he could have rushed out in arrogance against any and every enemy whether it was God’s timing or not. But David didn’t do that. His concern was not merely for himself. It was for the nation of Israel.
David’s battle plans often started with prayer: “Shall I go up?” He sought prophetic warfare strategies that preserved a nation from its enemies by putting God’s will first. I challenge you, prophets and intercessors, to follow David’s example. Stand for your nation. Seek prophetic strategies. And watch God restore kingdom culture in your nation just as it is in heaven.
Jennifer LeClaire is news editor at Charisma and author of several books, including The Heart of the Prophetic. You can also find her online at www.jenniferleclaire.org or e-mail Jennifer at [email protected].
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