WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?

"Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?" (Isaiah 21:11)

This prophecy of Isaiah was the announcement of both the blessing and cursing of Dumah, one of the cities of the Ishmaelites: i.e., "the morning cometh, and also the night" (21:12). These Edomites, descendants of Ishmael, would enjoy a cheerful time, followed by a return to distress and anguish. No wonder the brief word was called "the BURDEN of Dumah." Like the word given to John on Patmos, it was sweet in the mouth, but bitter in the belly (Rev 10:9-10).

The "Watchman" was positioned on the wall of the city, commissioned to watch with all vigilance, reporting what he saw to the people–whether good or evil. The nighttime was particularly critical because it was chosen as the time of advance by stealthy enemies. "Watchman, what of the night?" means "Watchman, how much more of the night is left? How far gone is it, and how much longer will we be subject to attack?" Is the day dawning?

Holy men of God are also called "watchmen." Ezekiel was a Divinely appointed "watchman" to Israel. He was to have a mind toward the Lord, being acutely aware of God's assessment of Israel. If the Lord gave Ezekiel a warning to give to the people, he was to warn them, seeking to have their lives spared. If he failed to warn the people, they would perish, but God would require their blood at the hand of the prophet (Ezek 3:17-18).

It seems to me that we are living in the time of the watchmen. It is more a time for men who can SEE to speak, and less of a time for philosophers and speculators (although there is really no appropriate time for them). How far gone is the night that has descended upon us? How close are we to the dawning of the day? Hear the response of one of God's great "watchmen."

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:11). Indeed, it is night, but it is not the time to sleep! It is dark, but it is time to have our eyes wide open! The enemy is stalking through the land, and doing so with great power and effectiveness. If "the works of darkness" are clinging to us, we will fall to his devices. If there are parts of our lives being lived without due consideration for God, they must be thrown off like the filthy rags they are. The day of reckoning is upon us!

The "armor of light" is the protection that comes from "spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9). It renders the approaching enemy powerless and incapable of casting us down.

This is a day for God's people to be confident and bold. But to be so, they must have a sense of the times, and the brevity of the night. "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?" May you have a fervent longing to have a sense of the times, and of the current night.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to be alert and discerning of the times.

-- Monday: HEAVEN WATCHES OVER THEM --