TOPIC  # 4

What are the duties of a Watchman?

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, 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 Lord brings back Zion” Isaiah 52:7

BIBLE REFERENCES: Isaiah 62:6-7; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Kings 9:17; Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1; Psalm 130:6; Isaiah 21:11–12; Ezekiel 33:7; also Hosea 9:8

SOP COMMENTARIES:

Christ has declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.] This is the work God’s watchmen are to do. {Lt105-1900.3}

The same spirit that brought about the great deception in heaven is at work in our world today. Our watchmen must be wide-awake to give the trumpet a certain sound. {Lt256-1906.6}

There are many references to watchmen who kept an eye out for physical threats in the Bible: “Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came and said, ‘I see a company.’ And Joram said, ‘Take a horseman and send to meet them, and let him say, “Is it peace?”’” (2 Kings 9:17, ESV).

Watchmen safeguarded fields and vineyards during harvest time (Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1) and acted as sentinels who announced the start of a new day (Psalm 130:6; Isaiah 21:11–12).

The Bible also refers to watchmen in a spiritual sense. God appointed prophets as spiritual watchmen over the souls of 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; also Hosea 9:8).

The prophets’ job as watchmen was to urge God’s people to live faithfully and warn them of the perils involved in falling away from the Lord and doing evil. As watchmen, the prophets were also called to warn wicked people of the judgment and destruction that would come their way unless they turned from their evil ways.

 Isaiah is assuming the role of an eastern watchman. Evidently the night is very dark and suddenly he hears footsteps approaching. To his relief it is not an enemy, but a friend who inquires how things are going, and he makes a careful reply. To see the relevance of these words for ourselves we need to recognize at once that they have to do with the unfolding of God’s prophetic program, today and in the future. They have something solemn to say to us about events that will take place soon on the earth, and about the destiny of believers and unbelievers.

Christ’s ministers  and TEACHERS are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted to their care. Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In ancient times, sentinels were often stationed on the walls of cities, where, from points of vantage, they could overlook important points to be guarded, and give warning of the approach of an enemy. Upon their faithfulness depended the safety of all within. At stated intervals they were required to call to one another, to make sure that all were awake, and that no harm had befallen any. The cry of good cheer or of warning was borne from one to another, each repeating the call till it echoed round the city. {GW 14.2}

What is the Sentinel for, but to be the voice of the watchmen on the walls of Zion, to sound the danger signal. We are not to cringe and beg pardon of the world for telling them the truth: we should scorn concealment. Unfurl your colors to meet the case of men and angels. Let it be understood that Seventh-day Adventists can make no compromise. … if we carry even the semblance of being uncommitted till the popular voice has pointed out the safe way. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Christ said He would send into the world, was to bear an unwavering testimony.—Manuscript 16, 1890.

Our work is to enlighten the world; for it is blind to the movements which are taking place, preparing the way for the plagues which God will permit to come upon the world. God’s faithful watchmen must give the warning…. {CD 75.2}

The servant is not above his master. The Prince of heaven was called Beelzebub, and His disciples will be misrepresented in like manner. But whatever the danger, Christ’s followers must avow their principles. They should scorn concealment. They cannot remain uncommitted until assured of safety in confessing the truth. They are set as watchmen, to warn men of their peril. The truth received from Christ must be imparted to all, freely and openly. Jesus said, “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.” {DA 355.4}

Care should be exercised to educate the young converts. They are not to be left to themselves, to be led away by false presentations, to walk in a false way. Let the watchmen be constantly on guard, lest souls shall be beguiled by soft words and fair speech and sophistry. Teach faithfully all that Christ has commanded. Everyone who receives Christ is to be trained to act some part in the great work to be accomplished in our world.—Letter 279, 1905. {Ev 367.1}

These watchmen represent the ministry, upon whose fidelity depends the salvation of souls. The stewards of the mysteries of God should stand as watchmen upon the walls of Zion; and if they see the sword coming, they should sound the note of warning. If they are sleepy sentinels, if their spiritual senses are so benumbed that they see and realize no danger, and the people perish, God will require their blood at the watchmen’s hands. {GW92 21.3}

There were comparatively few ministers, however, who would accept this message; therefore it was largely committed to humble laymen. Farmers left their fields, mechanics their tools, traders their merchandise, professional men their positions; and yet the number of workers was small in comparison with the work to be accomplished. The condition of an ungodly church and a world lying in wickedness, burdened the souls of the true watchmen, and they willingly endured toil, privation, and suffering, that they might call men to repentance unto salvation. Though opposed by Satan, the work went steadily forward, and the advent truth was accepted by many thousands. {GC 368.2}

There are many who do not understand the prophecies relating to these days and they must be enlightened. It is the duty of both watchmen and laymen to give the trumpet a certain sound.—Evangelism, 194, 195 (1875). {LDE 16.2}

Let the watchmen now lift up their voice and give the message which is present truth for this time. Let us show the people where we are in prophetic history.—Testimonies for the Church 5:716 (1889). {LDE 16.3}

She (EGW) referred to the harsh spirit manifested by some, and to the wrong positions taken by others. She closed her remarks with a most earnest appeal that all should hold forth the truth in its perfection, and that the watchmen should give the trumpet a certain sound. A solemn conviction rested upon the assembly, and all felt that they had been listening to a message from Heaven. {LS 316.3}

Are our voices often raised in earnest supplication for power from on high? Is our faith pure and strong? Have we put away all prejudice, all evil thinking and evil speaking? Are our affections set on things above, or are they twining about the things of this earth? Are our eyes open to see the needs of those around us? Can God call us faithful watchmen? {Ms147-1902.4}

The watchmen are responsible for the condition of the people. While you open the door to pride, envy, doubt, and other sins, there will be strife, hatred, and every evil work. Jesus, the meek and lowly One, asks an entrance as your guest, but you are afraid to bid him enter. He has spoken to us in both the old and the New Testament; he is speaking to us still by his Spirit and his providence. His instructions are designed to make men true to God, and true to themselves. {PH001 20.1}

Or are many of the watchmen asleep, while mischievous tongues and acute minds, sharpened by long practise in evading the truth, are continually at work to bring in confusion, and to carry out plans instigated by the enemy? {SpTB02 13.2}

TOPIC  #3

What does a Watchman watch?

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Revelation 16:15 (KJV)

BIBLE REFERENCES: Look up 2 Samuel 13:34; 18:24-27; 2 Kings 9:17; 2 Chronicles 20:24; Nehemiah 4:9; 7:3; Isaiah 62:6; Jeremiah 31:6. In chapter 21

SOP COMMENTARIES:

There are many references to watchmen who kept an eye out for physical threats in the Bible: “Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came and said, ‘I see a company.’ And Joram said, ‘Take a horseman and send to meet them, and let him say, “Is it peace?”’” (2 Kings 9:17, ESV).

Watchmen safeguarded fields and vineyards during harvest time (Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1) and acted as sentinels who announced the start of a new day (Psalm 130:6; Isaiah 21:11–12).

The Lord will not send His judgments for disobedience and transgression upon the world until he has sent his watchmen to give the message of warning. {KC 147.1}

Morning is coming, but also the night” is the reply in verse 12. This seems a strange answer; why did the watchman say ”…but also the night?” In the light of prophecy the answer is this: for the Christian the morning is coming; for the unbeliever the night of judgment is coming. If you are a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ your prospect is the coming of the dawn; if you are an unbeliever your prospect is the dark night of judgment. The “morning” speaks of the coming again of Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:16). Thank God we shall not experience the darkness of sin, of war, of want, forever. Look up Psalm 30:5.

1. 1. The morning speaks of the certainty of His coming. Morning always follows night. The burden of biblical prophecy is the glorious truth of the certain return of the Lord Jesus.
2. 2. The morning speaks of the nearness of His coming. Sometimes the night seems long, but relatively speaking the morning is always near, and so is the coming of Christ – look up Romans 13:12 and compare James 5:7.
3. 3. The morning speaks of the pure joy of His coming. See Malachi 4:2. What a relief it is when, after a long night of trial and difficulty, the morning comes!

With these thoughts in mind, look up and compare John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. But how solemn to realise that it is not only the morning that is coming, but also “the night”! – unutterable joy for the Christian but indescribable sorrow, suffering and despair for the unbeliever. Night in scripture always means calamity (Job 35:10; Micah 3:6), and compare John 13:30 with 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. The Lord Jesus may return today, tonight, tomorrow…Will you be ready to meet Him when He comes?

 The church is God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a faithful testimony to the generation in which they lived. These sentinels gave the message of warning; and when they were called to lay off their armor, others took up the work. God brought these witnesses into covenant relation with Himself, uniting the church on earth with the church in heaven. He has sent forth His angels to minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against His people.

God’s watchmen are to stand on the walls of Zion, and to give the warning, “The morning cometh, and also the night,”—the night wherein no man can work….  CET 221.1

There are many who do not understand the prophecies relating to these days, and they must be enlightened. It is the duty of both watchmen and laymen to give the trumpet a certain sound. Be in earnest, “cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”—Letter 1, 1875. {Ev 194.4}

God’s watchmen must not study how they shall please the people nor listen to their words and utter them; but they must listen to hear what saith the Lord, what is his word for the people. If they rely upon discourses prepared years before, they may fail to meet the necessities of the occasion. Their hearts should be laid open, so that the Lord may impress their minds, and then they will be able to give the people the precious truth warm from heaven.—Testimonies for the Church 5:252. {GW92 264.1

Many are now perishing for want of knowledge. Shall we not give mind and soul and voice to proclaiming the truth as it is in Christ Jesus? To every worker I would say, Show to unbelievers that there is strength in God. Communicate your ideas in regard to what is required, by the words of warning, “Prepare to meet thy God!” Sow the seeds of truth by all waters. Wake up the watchmen, and, with them, bear the message in words of power. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” The increase of your own experience will be proportionate to your individual trust and confidence in God. {HFM 81.2}

The Lord has been insulted. The standard of truth, of the first, second, and third angels’ messages has been left to trail in the dust. If the watchmen are left to mislead the people in this fashion, God will hold some souls responsible for a lack of keen discernment to discover what kind of provender was being given to His flock. {2SM 394.2}

For myself I care not, my peace is not disturbed, but I do care for the watchmen whom God has placed on the walls of Zion who ought to give the trumpet a certain sound. You certainly ought to do something for your own sake, for Christ’s sake, for the truth’s sake. Why do you not let the right appear? Why do you remain as silent as the dead? Is this the way you defend the truth? … {3SM 350.3}

The watchmen are to be wide-awake to discern the outcome of all specious reasoning; for serious errors will be brought in to lead the people of God astray…. {RY 21.1}

The world is asleep, and as watchmen they are to give the warning note, to awake the sleepers to a sense of their danger. The churches know not the time of their visitation. How can they best learn the truth?—…. They are the Lord’s messengers, giving to multitudes in darkness and error the glad tidings of salvation. {PH122 1.3}

Read the whole of the third chapter of Revelation. Every word of this chapter is to be studied by those who are watching for souls as they that must give an account. “Watchmen, what of the night?” In clear, decided tones, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, let the watchmen respond, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:11, 12.] We are now to guard every outpost. Thus saith the Lord to the watchmen, “If you permit one soul to pass into the shadow of uncertainty, if you lead souls on in wrong, and they never extricate themselves from the snare of the enemy, I will require at your hands the blood of the souls you have caused to become confused and to perish.” Let ministers and doctors in every place rouse themselves and not be stubborn in unbelief. {Lt100-1906.17}

This scene has been presented before me as fully as I could bear to behold it. Then the scene has changed, and representations of things existing at the present time have passed before me. I have seen men who have been placed in positions of trust as watchmen, molding and fashioning the work <in our conferences> in accordance with worldly policy which God condemns. {Lt257-1904.25}

Why is there so dim a perception of the true spiritual condition of the church? Are there not standing on the walls of Zion blind watchmen who do not perceive? Are not many unconcerned and well satisfied, as if the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night rested upon the sanctuary? Are there not those in positions of leadership, claiming to know God, who in life and character deny Him? Are there not many who count themselves as His chosen, peculiar people, yet are satisfied to live without the evidence that of a truth God is among them, to save them from Satan’s snares and attacks? Would we not now have much greater light if in the past we had received His admonitions, walked in the light as Christ is in the light, acknowledged His presence, and turned away from all dishonest practices? Then the light of heaven would have shone into the soul-temple, enabling us to comprehend the truth and to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. O how Christ is dishonored by those who, professing to be Christians, disgrace the name they bear by failing to make their lives correspond with their profession, by failing to treat one another with the love and respect that God expects them to reveal in kind words and courteous actions. {Ms32-1903.5}

The Lord is soon coming. The watchmen on the walls of Zion are called upon to awake to their God-given responsibility. Many of them are in the stupor of insensibility. God calls for watchmen who in the power of the Spirit will give to the world a warning message; who will proclaim the time of night. He calls for watchmen who will arouse men and women from their lethargy, lest they sleep the sleep of death. {Lt211-1903.24}

James 1:6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Matthew 14:31 immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Mark 4:40  And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Luke 24:25 And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

Matthew 16:8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread?

Luke 12:22-29  And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, … how much more valuable you are than the birds!  “And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?…”But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!

Isaiah 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help And rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!

Romans 14:22-23 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Doubt is not the absence of faith; doubt is the questioning of faith. You can only doubt what you already believe. Doubt is questioning what you believe. Unbelief is a determined refusal to believe. Doubt is a struggle faced by the believer. Unbelief is a condition of the unbeliever. Unbelief involves spiritual blindness and a determined resistance to God. There may be some people who feel their problem is doubt, when actually the real problem is their unbelief. The issue is not that they doubt their faith, but that they do not have a faith to doubt. They need to believe the things that God has revealed, and act upon them: Doubt and unbelief are different, so discerning the difference is of great importance. Colin Smith

When presented with the evidence, the doubter turns into the believer. That is doubt. Unbelief, on the other hand, is a choice. Unbelief says, “I hear what you are saying, and I choose not to believe it. I reject what you are saying altogether.” Unbelief is a matter of the will. It is refusing to believe God’s Word and obey what He tells us to do. It is not necessarily bad to have moments of doubt. Sometimes we need to go through the foyer of doubt to get into the sanctuary of certainty. Greg Laurie  

There is a difference between a doubter and an unbeliever. A doubter looks for a reason to believe. An unbeliever looks for any reason not to believe. God accepts doubters, but He rejects unbelievers.

Impact of the Weight of Evidence.–Those who desire to doubt will have plenty of room. God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit, and all should decide from the weight of evidence. God gives sufficient evidence for the candid mind to believe; but he who turns from the weight of evidence because there are a few things which he cannot make plain to his finite understanding will be left in the cold, chilling atmosphere of unbelief and questioning doubts, and will make shipwreck of faith.–5T 675, 676 (1889).

Seeds of Doubt Lie Buried.–Those who are troubled with doubts and have difficulties which they cannot solve should not throw other weak minds into the same 677 perplexity. Some have hinted or talked their unbelief and have passed on, little dreaming of the effect produced. In some instances the seeds of unbelief have taken immediate effect, while in others they have lain buried quite a length of time, until the individual has taken a wrong course and given place to the enemy, and the light of God has been withdrawn from him and he has fallen under the powerful temptations of Satan. Then the seeds of infidelity which were sown so long ago spring up. Satan nourishes them, and they bear fruit. … And when they have not stood in the clear light of God, Satan has used them as agents and has through them transmitted his fiery darts to minds not prepared to resist what has come from their ministers.--1T 378 (1863).

Chronic Doubter Centers on Self.–It is a great misfortune to be a chronic doubter, keeping the eye and thoughts on self. While you are beholding self, while this is the theme of thought and conversation, you cannot expect to be conformed to the image of Christ. Self is not your savior. You have no redeeming qualities in yourself. “I” is a very leaky boat for your faith to embark in. Just as surely as you trust yourself in it, it will founder. Discouraged doubters, how can you expect to find your heart glowing with the love of Christ? How can you expect His joy to remain in you and your joy to be full while you are meditating and feeding upon your own imperfect characters?—EGW Lt 11, 1897.

Shut the Door of Your Heart to Doubts.–When the devil comes with his doubts and unbeliefs, shut the door of your heart. … –MS 17, 1894. (Ephesians 6:12).

Doubts Disappear in Seeking to Bless Others.–There are many who complain of their doubts, who lament that they have no assurance of their connection with God. This is often attributable to the fact that they are doing nothing in God’s cause. Let them seek earnestly to help and bless others, and their doubts and despondency will disappear. –5T 395 (1885).

What to Do With Doubt.–You hurt the heart of Christ by doubting, when He has given us such evidences of His love in giving His own life to save us that we should not perish, but have everlasting life. He has told us just what to do. “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).–Lt 10, 1893. 679

Cause of Doubt–Love of Sin.–Disguise it as they may, the real cause of doubt and skepticism in most cases is the love of sin. The teachings and restrictions of God’s Word are not welcome to the proud, sin-loving heart, and those 678 who are unwilling to obey its requirements are ready to doubt its authority. In order to arrive at truth we must have a sincere desire to know the truth and a willingness of heart to obey it….–SC 111 (1892).

Cherished by the Uncircumspect.–Doubt and unbelief are cherished by those who do not walk circumspectly. They have a painful consciousness that their life will not abide the test of the Spirit of God, whether speaking through His Word or through the testimonies of His Spirit that would bring them to His Word. Instead of beginning with their own hearts and coming into harmony with the pure principles of the gospel, they find fault and condemn the very means that God has chosen to fit up a people to stand in the day of the Lord.–MS 1, 1883. (1SM 45.)

The More You Talk Doubt, the Darker It Grows (counsel to a doubting TEACHERS).–I saw that angels of God were looking sorrowfully toward you. They had left your side and were turning mournfully away, while Satan and his angels were grinning in exultation over you. If you had yourself battled with your doubts and not encouraged the devil to tempt you by talking out your unbelief and loving to dwell upon it, you would not have attracted the fallen angels about you in such numbers. But you chose to talk your darkness; you chose to dwell upon it; and the more you talk and dwell upon it, the darker and darker you grow. You are shutting out from you every ray of heaven’s light, and a great gulf is coming between you and the only ones who can help you. If you proceed in the way you have started, misery and woe are before you. —1T 430, 431 (1864).

Let Beams of Light Dispel Shadows of Doubt.–We need to be filled with all the fullness of God, and we shall then have life, power, grace and salvation.  How shall we obtain these great blessings? Christ has died that we might receive them by faith in His name. He has freely offered us light and life. Then why should we persist in driving pegs on which to hang our doubts? Why should we fill the gallery of the mind with gloomy scenes of doubt? Why not let the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness shine into the chambers of heart and mind and dispel the shadows of unbelief? Turn to the Light, to Jesus the precious Saviour. Instead of beholding the flaws and defects of some human being, turn to contemplate the character of Him in whom there is no imperfection. Jesus is the “chiefest among ten thousand,” the One “altogether lovely.” We are not to make any man our pattern. God has given us a perfect model in His only begotten Son, and by beholding Him we shall become changed into His image. Look upon Christ, whose throne is high and lifted up, and the train of His glory fills the temple.–Und MS 23.   

  marvinmarcelino aims teachers devotional300120

The Heavens have openings for everyone who can qualify themselves.

He loves you more than you ever know.

He exchanged the limitless condition of heaven for your severe limits on earth.

He was a Royal Son you are a total mess.

He deprived himself of honor just to be with the powerless you.

He left heaven for you to be a living testament on earth.

He came as the Holy of Holies just for you the sinful of sinners.

He was the King of Kings and made friends with you a nobody.

He was righteous yet owned every single sin you have.

He lived a blameless life as for your example.

He was not a sinner, you were.

He had no single sin but you have a few obvious and a thousand hidden.

He changed many lives including your undesirable life.

He was the truth and you were the lie.

He was misunderstood for you to understand.

He was placed in tragedy for you to triumph.

He was rejected for you to be accepted.

He was betrayed for you to learn to trust Him.

He was condemned for you to be free.

He was never found guilty, are you not? For you not to be guilty.

He was convicted for you to be pardoned.

He was disgraced for you to have more grace.

He was painfully been pricked by the thorns, which are the fruits of your stubbornness.

He was stripped of clothes for you to wear the robe righteousness.

He was spat on the face, which you always do to Him.

He was beaten and mocked for your sake.

He carried a cross, which is yours.

He passed the rugged and notorious road for you to have a firm conviction.

He allowed the nails to pierce him for you to never feel how painful it was.

He felt the rusty nails for you to be spared from suffer.

He bled Blood for you to be washed and cleansed.

He took the spear for you because you think you don’t deserve it.

He suffered thirst for you to know that the answer is not water but the Truth.

He accepted every lashes He never deserved all because He cared for you.

He endured shame all because He knows you cannot take it.

He refused to defend himself to be a light for you.

He was crucified in your place.

He bore your dark side.

He overlooked your mistakes for you to look up to Him.

He does not deserve your suffering but still he took it from you.

He prayed and bridged for you to God the Father.

He has to go through pain, sorrow and death to give you hope.

He died for you to live.

He rose from the dead for you to have hope and joy.

He prepared a place for you to stay forever with Him.

He will come back for the second time to bring you home, you who are homeless.

He will surely come because He promised.

He is your Savior, Redeemer and Friend.

He is JESUS.