Watch/Watchmen

<<guard, security personnel>>

Originally ‘a watch’ was a military term used to describe a period of guard duty during the night. Four watches, each of three hours, covered the hours of darkness (Mk 6:48).

In biblical times, watchtowers were erected for watchmen to guard crops and animals in the fields besides monitoring the entrance ways to cities (2 Kgs 18:8; Isa 5:2). It was the watchmen’s primary responsibility to observe and report any suspicious activity to those in authority. Failure to be diligent in their duty could result in the destruction of crops, animals or humans and even cities being ransacked.

In the spiritual context a watchman observes and should give advance warning of impending danger. The Lord’s message to Ezekiel was “I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me...if you do not warn a wicked man...I will hold you accountable” (Ezek 3:17-21, 33:7-9). God, Himself, is the great watchman of His creation. He is both watching and watching over us; He sees all we do – for which we are answerable to Him – besides lovingly protecting us (Ps 32:7, 91:4,11; Jer 17:10).

The Bible instructs us to beware of Satan who is looking for vulnerable people to take captive, so resist him, standing firmly in the faith (Gen 4:7; Lk 22:31;
1 Pet 5:8). There is safety in numbers if all those in the group are diligent, have the same values and have honest accountability. We are told to look out for false prophets who will try to deceive and cause division, and to be alert, not letting the return of Christ catch us unprepared (Mt 7:15, 24:42-44; Mk 13:5,37; Rom 16:17; 1 Thes 5:2-6).

disciplined and continue to ‘press in’ so that you may be fully rewarded (Gal 5:7; Phil 3:12-14; 2 Jn 1:8). “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”, creating a constant conflict between the new and old natures within (Mk 14:38). David said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin…Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” – this calls for our effort coupled with a humble reliance on God, for wisdom applied will protect us (Ps 39:1, 141:3; Prov 4:5,6).

It is our responsibility as believers to monitor what we look at; the visual input we allow into our minds leaves a lasting impression on our souls and can be the cause of temptation (Job 31:1; Mt 5:28). We are to take seriously the Bible's counsel to "Guard your heart more than any treasure for it is the source of all life" (Pov 4:23).

See also: accountability, entry points, eyes, guard, input, spiritual warfare, vulnerable, warning, weakness.