THE WATCHMAN
I will stand my watch
And set myself on the rampart,
And watch to see what He will say to me,
And what I will answer when I am corrected.
Habakkuk 2:1
The job of the watchman was vital. An approaching army left residents of an ancient city little time to flee or to prepare for battle. Everyone’s life depended on the alert watchman as he peered into the horizon for the earliest glimpse of an approaching threat. Thus, it was critical that the watchman alert the people as soon as possible to what was coming.
What Does It Mean to be a Watchman Today?
As a Christian, God places you as a watchman for yourself, your family, your friends, and your church family. It is essential that you be attentive to what God is saying. Think about the following scenarios:
- It may be that a friend is in crisis and needs God’s word; God may choose to give you words of encouragement to share with your friend. Or, perhaps your children are facing difficult challenges; God may speak to you as you pray and reveal to you how you can help them. As another example, if you are spiritually alert, you may receive a warning from God that addresses specific dangers that those around you are facing.
- On the other hand, think about what might happen if you do not stand your watch. Someone in your family may be struggling, yet if you are careless, then the answers God has for them will go unheard. Or, if you are oblivious to God’s message, then those around you may miss the encouraging promises from God that He wanted to share through you.
Indeed, God holds His watchmen accountable for their diligence (Ezekiel 33:6). You should strive to be attentive to every word that comes to you from God. As a result of your diligence, you will benefit from hearing God’s words, heeding His warnings and following His commands – and those around you will also benefit from your steadfast, unwavering watch!
As you pray today, first take some time to visualize yourself as a watchman, placed by God, overseeing your family and friends. Will you be diligent? Can you remain attentive? Are you listening to God’s words? Ask God for His guidance as you stand your watch, and thank Him for giving you the tools you will need as one of His watchmen. Amen.