The Watchman Must Arise: A Call to Stand, Pray, and Protect

A watchman cannot fulfill his assignment if he isn't listening. Likewise, believers cannot effectively fulfill their calling if they are not hearing from God.

What Is a Watchman?

In biblical times, watchmen were stationed on the walls of a city. Their job was simple but critically important.

They watched.

They stayed alert.

They identified danger before others could see it.

When an enemy approached, the watchman sounded the alarm so the city could prepare and respond.

Ezekiel 33:6-7 describes the responsibility of a watchman. If the watchman saw danger approaching and failed to warn the people, lives could be lost.

The watchman wasn't always the most visible person in the city, but they were among the most important.

Today, God is still calling people to be watchmen.

Not just pastors.

Not just church leaders.

Every believer.

Every father.

Every mother.

Every grandparent.

Every follower of Christ.

The Church Must Take Its Place on the Wall

In Ezekiel 3:17, God tells Ezekiel:

"Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman."

The Church was never intended to simply exist within the culture. The Church was designed to influence it.

God has strategically placed each one of you in your cities, counties, states, and the surrounding communities for a purpose. We are here to pray, discern, intercede, and stand for righteousness.

Far too many people today are simply trying to get through life one day at a time.

But God is looking for believers who will rise above complacency and take their place on the wall.

The question is not whether our communities need watchmen.

The question is whether we are willing to become them.

Watchmen Start at Home

One of the first responsibilities of a watchman is protecting their own household.

Before we become watchmen for our city, we must become watchmen for our family.

A modern-day watchman prays over their marriage.

A watchman prays for their children.

A watchman prays for protection over their home.

A watchman stands against division, fear, confusion, and spiritual compromise.

Fathers are called to faithfully lead their families, but we must also recognize that spiritual leadership begins with prayer.

A watchman doesn't wait until trouble arrives.

A watchman prepares before trouble comes.

Prayer Is the Watchman's Greatest Weapon

Habakkuk 2:1 says:

"I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart."

Today, our guard post is often found in prayer.

Prayer is where discernment develops.

Prayer is where battles are won.

Prayer is where God reveals what He wants us to see.

Not every warning from God is meant for public announcement. Many things are revealed so that intercession can stop them before they ever happen.

Instead of panicking, watchmen pray.

Instead of complaining, watchmen pray.

Instead of surrendering to fear, watchmen pray.

Giving God No Rest

One of the most powerful passages concerning watchmen is found in Isaiah 62:6-7.

God says:

"Give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

What a powerful picture of persistent prayer.

Don't quit praying.

Don't quit believing.

Don't quit standing.

Don't quit interceding.

Continue seeking God until breakthrough comes.

Imagine what could happen if believers throughout their territories/counties committed themselves to becoming watchmen.

Imagine families covered in prayer.

Imagine churches united in faith.

Imagine communities transformed by the presence of God.

Imagine lives being healed, restored, and saved.

The Call Is Going Forth

As I look across our region, I believe the Holy Spirit is issuing a fresh call.

Your County needs watchmen.

Your city needs watchmen.

Our churches need watchmen.

Our schools need watchmen.

Most importantly, our families need watchmen.

God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for willing people.

People who will pray.

People who will listen.

People who will stand.

People who are willing to answer the call.

My prayer is that each of us would respond by saying:

"Lord, make me a watchman."

"Use me to stand for my family."

"Use me to stand for my church."

"Use me to stand for my city."

The time for complacency is over.

The time for the watchman to arise is now.