How can we heed the "watchmen" God has placed in our lives today? The Watchman’s Call in Jeremiah 6:17 “I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn!’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’” (Jeremiah 6:17) Understanding the Watchman Role • In Scripture, a watchman is a sentry who warns of danger (Ezekiel 33:7). • Spiritually, watchmen point out sin, urge repentance, and announce God’s way of safety. • God still appoints watchmen—pastors, parents, mature believers, and the Holy Spirit using His Word—to sound the trumpet when danger approaches. Recognizing Today’s Watchmen • Faithful shepherds who “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage” (2 Timothy 4:2). • God-fearing parents and elders whose counsel aligns with Proverbs 1:8–9. • Spirit-filled friends who “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). • Scripture itself—“For the word of God is living and active… judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). • Promptings of the Holy Spirit, who guides “into all truth” (John 16:13). Practical Ways to Heed the Watchmen Listen intentionally • Carve out regular time to sit under sound preaching and teaching. • Keep the Bible open daily; it is the primary trumpet blast. Test with the Word • Like the Bereans, “examine the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings are true” (Acts 17:11). • Embrace any correction that is clearly rooted in God’s Word. Respond promptly • Repent when sin is exposed (Psalm 139:23–24). • Act on warnings before hardness sets in (Hebrews 3:13). Cultivate humility • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • View godly counsel as a gift, not an intrusion (Proverbs 27:6). Invite accountability • Ask trusted believers to watch over your soul (Hebrews 13:17). • Share struggles honestly; concealed sin deafens the ears. Guarding Against Spiritual Deafness • Beware of selective hearing—accepting comfort, rejecting correction (2 Timothy 4:3). • Avoid isolation; lone sheep are easy prey (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). • Refuse cynicism; watchmen are imperfect, but the message is perfect when it echoes Scripture. Living Alert and Responsive • Keep your heart tender; daily confession keeps the ears open. • Pray for discernment to recognize God-sent warnings. • Remember the blessing promised to those who obey: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). |
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