8/13/2021
We have learned previously how to stand on the walls of Jerusalem and watch, so that if the enemy approaches we can sound the alarm, but there is more to our duty than simply defense. In our walking to and fro atop the wall we are to watch over the citizens who live within these walls, and to pray over them until the walls of the New Jerusalem are erected, and the Lord Jesus takes His throne. We are to lift up the needs of God’s children, not because it is our job, but because we love them as God does. We will not rest, and neither will our Father, until our Savior returns, the New Jerusalem is reestablished, and His kingdom assumes its full glory.
“On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.”
Isaiah 62:6-7 ESV
I work in Information Technology for a hospital company, and I see many of the caregivers as they help those who come there in need. What I do every day is in support of these workers… I stand atop the wall, and watch as they go about their jobs of caring for those who are sick and hurting. I service their needs, I work to make what they do easier, their ability to heal more efficient, and I also lift them up in prayer. I watch what they do and take their needs and concerns before the executives of my company, but I also take their personal needs, suffering, and concerns, before God. This is the duty of every Christian as they make their way towards righteousness.
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 ESV
I have a workmate, and he had a severe problem in the computer system he supports. For three days he struggled to solve the issue. I watched from afar as he worked, praying for him, and a resolution. Then, in the midst of his struggle I sent him a brief note of encouragement, and told him I was praying for him. Later, after he had solved the problem, we were meeting about another project, and at the end of our meeting he paused, then, very sincerely, told me how much my note had meant to him, and how knowing I was praying had given him strength. Sometimes as watchmen on the wall we guard the city, but many times we serve those who reside within it… we intercede for them. The armies of the dark one don’t always attack the walls in mass, sometimes Satan is much more subtle and seeks to harm us as individual Christian soldiers, attacking us where we feel safest. From our vantage point atop the wall the watchmen can see both the approaching armies, and the less obvious efforts of the enemy within our own stronghold.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11 ESV
So as a Christian watchmen let’s not limit ourselves to watching the passes and approaches to our city, but let’s look inwards too. It is important to watch for invading armies, but we must remain diligent as we look for stealthy infiltrators as well. Spies always precede an attack, and probing actions come in an attempt to find our weaknesses.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for placing us atop the walls and battlements of your holy city. Thank you for instructing us to watch for the outward attacks of Satan as he rages and seeks to attack and devour us, but thank you too for warning us to be diligent against the stealthy and secretive attempts that strike where we least expect them. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who loves us and protects us against all harm and temptation; large and small, from the hills surrounding our city, or from within our own walls. Praise your name Lord for each time you respond to the alarm that is sounded, or you quietly subvert the actions of our enemy when made aware of his secretive attacks. Merciful are you who dresses us in your armor, and gives us weapons and defenses against all temptation and evil, no matter its form. You do not rest Father, but stand at the ready to help us… waiting for our intercessory prayers to rise up from atop the wall as we call on you for help. Holy Spirit give us the eyesight of eagles, the strength of lions, and the obedience of Christ as we stand at the ready, help us in our prayers as we make intercession for others, and strengthen us as we watch for the enemy, and wait expectantly for the return of Jesus to claim us as His bride.
Rich Forbes