Isaiah 21:11-12 The burden of Dumah. He calls to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?… I. THE WATCHMAN AS TYPICAL OF EVERY TRUE AMBASSADOR OF THE CROSS. 1. He occupied vantage ground. He was selected for the office; placed in an appropriate position — where, unhindered, he could carry on his observations. 2. He possessed knowledge of the ground he surveyed a mere enthusiast would not do, nor a novice, nor an enemy; a patriot would be the best, with a clear head and a warm heart. 3. He would expect implicit obedience to his cries. If he said "All well!" people might rest; if, "To arms!" people must be up. Apply these points to the office of the Christian ministry. II. THE INQUIRER OF THE WATCHMAN AS TYPICAL OF THE ANXIOUS SEEKER AFTER SALVATION. 1. He was painfully conscious of the darkness. Every awakened sinner feels the darkness of ignorance, and danger, and guilt, and wonders what of the night — how, and when will it end? 2. He was anxiously desirous of the light. The anxious seeker after salvation longs for the Light of the world — the light of the glorious Gospel to shine into his heart. III. THE ANSWER OF THE WATCHMAN AS TYPICAL OF THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE SOUL IN RELIGION. 1. The morning cometh — the morning of day, of newness of life, of glorious opportunity. 2. "Also the night." The day will not last forever, let us work while it is called day. (F. W. Brown.) Parallel Verses KJV: The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? |
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