Hosea 9:8–The prophet is a watchman over Israel for my God, yet traps are laid for him wherever he goes. He faces hostility even in the house of God.
What a verse this is!! So many things are resonating in my spirit as I meditate on this insightful declaration from the prophet Hosea.
1. Watchmen must be prophetic- you cannot put the spiritually blind, deaf, and dumb in a position that affects the safety and well being of everyone else. You need people assigned to watch who are anointed to watch by living a lifestyle of brokenness and pursuit in God’s presence.
2. Prophetic people must be watchmen- as much as prophetic people love and prioritize the presence of God we cannot stay in the clouds of glory and ignore the wickedness around us. God sends prophets to nations (over Israel to Hosea) and we as Americans must see what is taking place both good and bad and be bold in declaring the Word of God no matter if it is celebrated or despised.
3. Prophetic people work for God- of course we all work for God who are believers but prophetic people report directly to the Lord. This doesn’t mean we don’t need accountability and authority but that God is depending on us to speak for Him as Aaron spoke for Moses. What a privilege and honor that must be taken with the utmost care!
4. Watchmen are not usually very popular!- the world ignores them and the church persecutes them. Hosea warns prophetic watchmen that they will face hostility even in the house of God. Why would those receiving the benefit of being warned of danger be mad at the watchmen? Religion, flesh, selfishness, complete insensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
There is no doubt that God anoints some individuals like the prophets of old to be a major voice in a nation but, in the end, we are all called to be watchmen. Stay close to the Lord and allow His Holy Spirit to speak to you about the heart of God. If you feel a particular call to be a watchmen then press into God’s call through prayer and intercession. Remember: always stay humble and teachable!

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