Lent Day 28, March 20 Psalm 130:5-6 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning. PIC ON OLD PHONE
Everyone wants to know the answer to at least some questions. Here’s one you may get easily. What does a watchman do?
Yes! They watch! “Watchman” in Hebrew translates as “one who looks out,” “one who spies,” or “one who watches.” Sometimes watchmen looked out for approaching friends as well as foes.
Old Testament scripture refers to watchmen in a spiritual sense, too. God’s appointed prophets served as spiritual watchmen over His people. “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me (Ezekiel 33:7; Hosea 9:8, NKJV).” As watchmen, prophets urged God’s people to live faithfully. They spoke against the perils of falling away from the Lord. Prophets also warned people of the judgment that would come if they turned to evil ways.
In the form of church leaders, the role of spiritual watchman continues in the New Testament. “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit (Hebrews 13:17, NLT).”
God calls not just leaders but all Christians to be watchful. Jesus told His disciples to “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation (Mark 14:38a, NIV).”
We should be ready and waiting for the Lord’s return. “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. “Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected (Luke 12:35–40, NLT).”
TRY IT: With as much excitement and readiness like the watchful ones found throughout the Old and New Testaments, put your hope in the Lord.
PRAYER: Lord, we watch and wait in hope for your word and your presence. Save us from our evil ways. Amen.