Posted February 8, 2007
A watchman was a key figure in the towns of the ancient world. God's work today, this work you are a part of, includes doing the job of a watchman to the modern house of Israel and all who will listen to what we offer.
I was in San Diego recently looking at an old lighthouse perched high on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It triggered a thought about a key position in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. called a watchman. Ezekiel was set as a spiritual watchman over the nation of Israel to warn the people with a message from God to repent and return to the paths of righteousness. Notice what God said:
"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul" (Ezekiel 3:17-19).
A watchman was a key figure in the towns of the ancient world. He would be stationed to guard the maturing crops in the field to see that they were not stolen by bandits or ravaged by wild animals. From his position on the walls, he would observe the traffic of society moving each day in and out of the city, sometimes announcing the approach of strangers on the roads leading in. In time of war, the watchman would warn of enemy troops coming against the town to lay siege. His vigilance meant life or death to the city's inhabitants. How people responded to his warning message was critical.
God also uses a watchman to announce good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . about the Kingdom of God and the path to salvation. Notice what Isaiah says:
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament ., who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the L ORD brings back Zion" (Isaiah 52:7-8).
A spiritual watchman was to not only announce a warning message but to show people the way to live by teaching the principles and values of God to people who had forgotten, or never known, the right way to live. It was a challenging job—one never fully appreciated by the people who heard the message and took it for granted.
God's work today, this work you are a part of, includes doing the job of a watchman to the modern house of Israel and all who will listen to what we offer. God has given us understanding of His coming Kingdom, a Kingdom that will replace all human government with the righteous rule of Jesus Christ. You can be a part of that Kingdom by accepting God's call and living by the laws and teachings of that Kingdom today. God says you have the choice to respond to the gospel. It can make all the difference in your life today.
February World News and ProphecyA prediction of events to come. "A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp[ecially] by foretelling future events" (Revised Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, "Propheteia").
In the February issue of World News and ProphecyA prediction of events to come. "A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp[ecially] by foretelling future events" (Revised Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, "Propheteia"). , we have two articles in this issue that deal with fiscal matters affecting America and individuals. I think you will find these articles both informative and helpful in understanding what can be a complicated subject.
The lead article covers the recent rise of aggressive atheism. Senior writer John Schroeder has some penetrating insights on the book The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. You will find his analysis of this issue a must-read.
Until next time, keep watching.
