Watchmen on the Wall
America is under attack by the Adversary. However, whether God brings our nation to her knees through trials and tribulations or whether America voluntary returns to her knees in prayer, God is still Sovereign over all. Our true character will be revealed through trials and tribulations. Judgement always begins in the house of God. When the purge comes, how do you know whether you’ll be among they wheat or the tares at the time of harvest?
Are we good enough to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven? When Jesus told his apostles about his death and resurrection, Peter said, “Lord, I won’t let that happen.” Jesus reproved him and said, “Get thee behind me Satan.” Jesus knew that when Peter said that he’d die for his Lord, he actually would deny him. Jesus said “before the cock crows twice you shall deny me thrice.” Peter thought that he could stand in his own power. In moments of weakness we make declarations and commitments that we cannot fulfill by relying on our own power.
When the forces of evil array and overtake Government, Entertainment, Universities, Marketplaces, and especially Churches, the nation is bound to fall. This is the theme of the books, “Christless Christianity,” and “When a Nation Forsakes God.” There is a passage in Ezekiel 33 about the watchmen the on the wall. The duty of the watchman is to blow the horn when he sees danger approaching. If the people hear the horn and don’t heed it, the blood will be on their own hands. However if the watchman is not vigilant and fails to sound the alarm, then the blood of the people will be on the watchman’s hands. Men of God are called to warn God’s people about the need for repentance.
The decline of a nation is indicated by the rapid decline of godly virtues. What used to be shunned as unacceptable behavior is now celebrated openly. American Christianity is the only religion in the nation that is under the Adversary’s concentrated onslaught. However the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God is the offensive weapon against spiritual wickedness from on high. As Joshua said, “Choose ye this day whom ye shall serve. As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.”
Men of God have a choice from moment to moment whom to serve. Ye are slaves to whom ye obey. Luke 12 is Jesus’ warning to the people about worrying and treasuring earthly treasures. His calling is to be watchful and to feed the flock of God. He calls us to be faithful to his calling until his return. According to 1 Peter 3:15, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…
Luke 12:35-36 says, “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.”
We’re called to be on the alert and quick to perceive danger, eagerly anticipating the Lord’s second coming. This is an illustration of a wedding ceremony. The groomsmen are called to be ready for the groom’s arrival. He may arrive at any time. Our lamps need to be lit when the groom arrives. The groomsman’s job is to be prepared for the coming of the bridegroom.
We need to be on our guard to stand fast in the faith of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing.” Therefore, be clothed in His power… Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.” We’re called to God’s mission: to minister to those whom God has committed to our keeping. We are workmen together with Christ. Sometimes we’re called to plant and water. Sometimes we’re called to bring in the harvest for the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.
Jesus said, “blessed are the servants when the master comes and finds them at work.” They are on their guard, prepared and ready with their lamps lit, their wicks trimmed and their vessels filled with oil. Even if he comes in the third watch of the night they will be ready when the bridegroom arrives.
Sin doesn’t keep us from eternal life. Rather it is the Rejection of the Saviour from sin that keeps sinners from heaven. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” When we delight ourselves in the Lord… When we make His delight our delight, then he will give us the desires of our heart. Our job is to stand as watchmen on the wall. We’re called to stand in the gap to protect the flock of God with the shield of Faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.
We’re called to pray for our enemies. Jesus said, bless them that persecute you. Bless and curse not. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake….for great is your reward in heaven.
In the midst of a crisis, what would Jesus do? As Jesus said to Mary and Joseph in the temple, “know ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Our calling is to exhort our brothers in Christ to be about our Father’s business. For we are his workmanship, his masterpiece, his magnum opus created Christ Jesus unto good works wherein he has before-ordained that we should walk.
May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael