This post originally appeared at https://www.vcy.org/from-the-executive-director/2022/09/01/the-vital-role-of-being-a-watchman/
By Jim Schneider, Executive Director, VCY America
An intense battle is underway hitting us on many fronts. There is a battle against moral values, a
battle against the family, a battle against traditional marriage, a battle against life, a battle for our
children, a battle against our Constitutional form of government, a battle against energy and our nation’s
food supply, a battle against individual liberty, a battle against the Second Amendment, a battle against
biblical values, a battle against Christianity, and a battle against God.
The battle is both unrelenting and intensifying. And as these regular attacks are launched, it is
imperative for believers in Christ to be alert, to stand, to be salt and light, and to sound the alarm. Our
families, our churches, and our nation must be warned when such a threat exists and when the works of
darkness are advancing.
While it is far easier to turn our heads and look away, or to “go with the flow” or be “an innocent
bystander” who doesn’t want to get involved, we must not fall into the traps of compromise, slumber or
silence. It is imperative that we give a definitive warning alerting others to these evil tactics and expose
the works of the evil one. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather
reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
This is the duty of the watchman. Though not a common word in use today, the watchman had a
very important duty as outlined in Ezekiel 33:1-8. J. Vernon McGee comments that in Ezekiel’s day,
“most of the cities of importance were protected by walls. Those in authority appointed a watchman to
watch for invaders from the top of the wall during the hours of darkness.”
Also addressing this same issue, Warren Wiersbe wrote, “Faithful watchmen kept their eyes
focused on the horizon and gave the warning when they saw the enemy approaching. If the watchmen
were alert and faithful and the people obedient, lives would be saved; if the watchmen were careless, or
the people unconcerned, the city would be captured and people would die.” (The Wiersbe Bible
Commentary.)
While everyone is responsible for their own actions, it is the duty of the watchman to warn them
lest he be accountable if he doesn’t. However, if he sounds the warning and people refuse to take heed
then their blood is on their own hands.
In its context, “God had called Ezekiel to be His watchman and it was his task to hear God’s
word of warning and declare it to the people. The faithful watchman had clean hands, but the unfaithful
watchman had hands that were stained by the blood of the victims who died because he didn’t warn
them. Isaiah compared unfaithful watchmen to blind men, dogs that can’t bark, and people who can’t
stay awake.” (Isaiah 56:10) (Wiersbe)
The watchman should not fear that his warning will be laughed at or is “counter-culture,” or
“politically incorrect” or coming at an inopportune moment. Instead he must stay focused with
understanding of the threat that is looming.
There is direct application to us from this Old Testament passage. As referenced at the
beginning of this article, there is an all-out war against morals, values, biblical principles, Christian
believers and against God Himself. Our culture is being swallowed up by the works of darkness. It is impacting our families, our communities, and our churches. It is critical for us to warn those around us
of the dangers present. Sadly, many of the intended targets are fast asleep lulled by the hush-a-bye
lullaby of the world that “all is well.”
We must blow the trumpet, sound the alarm and warn, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and
to kill, and to destroy:” (John 10:10) and that Satan “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he
may devour:” (I Peter 5:8) The devil will use any means at his disposal to continue to cloud this world
with deception, hence the need for us to expose these evil works and the direct threat upon the home, the
country and the church.
It is also critical for the watchman to recognize that he is not depending on his own self, but
rather his eyes must be focused entirely on the Lord and His Word. “Except the LORD build the house,
they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
(Psalm 127:1)
May we never be fooled into thinking that times are getting better, or that the threat isn’t all that
severe, or that we can let our guard down. Rather, we must remain steadfast as watchmen, awaken to
the dangers and both alert and warn those within our spheres of influence regarding this present danger. This is not a 9-5 job, rather we must always be vigilant.
Finally, remember the words of the Apostle Paul as he wrote, “And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)
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