In addition to the responsibility of protecting, another key role of a guard is to sense danger from a distance. This is why we observe the behavior of dogs, which God created to protect us. While they are fierce, they are also gifted with an extraordinary sense of smell and hearing. This allows them to detect dangers or changes in the environment from far off. At night, dogs often bark a lot because they sense things beyond human perception\u2014things that seem unusual, or things that we cannot see or hear. What might seem like a peaceful, safe time to us is often chaotic for them.<\/p>\n
This analogy reflects the work of a spiritual watchman. A guard\u2019s role isn\u2019t only to protect when danger approaches; it\u2019s also to perceive danger before it arrives. This requires vigilance, investigation, discernment, and often, patrol. The role of a spiritual guard is to be alert to the unseen threats and act before things escalate.<\/p>\n
\nIsaiah 21:11-12 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
“A prophecy against Duma. One calls to me from Seir,<\/em><\/p>\n
‘Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?’<\/em><\/p>\n
The watchman said,<\/em><\/p>\n
‘The morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire;<\/em><\/p>\n
Return! Come back!'”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The watchman in this passage gives a clear response: the night is passing, but the danger is not over. There is a spiritual significance here that we must understand \u2014 as believers, we are not just watching for the passing of time but discerning the times in which we live. The spiritual \u201cnight\u201d will soon end, and the day of the Lord will arrive.<\/p>\n
\nEzekiel 33:1-5 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
The word of the Lord came to me:<\/em><\/p>\n
‘Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them:<\/em><\/p>\n
When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman,<\/em><\/p>\n
when he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people,<\/em><\/p>\n
then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head.<\/em><\/p>\n
He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he who takes warning will save his life.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In this passage, we see the importance of a watchman: when a warning is given, it is for the salvation of the people. If they fail to heed the warning, the consequences fall on them. Similarly, we are called to be watchful and to warn others. As believers, our responsibility is to warn others about the danger of sin and the coming judgment.<\/p>\n
\nMatthew 24:42-44 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.<\/em><\/p>\n
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.<\/em><\/p>\n
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Jesus Himself compares His return to a thief in the night. This metaphor emphasizes the unexpectedness and suddenness of His second coming. No one knows the hour, so it is critical for Christians to live in a state of readiness. The role of the spiritual watchman (which we all have as believers) is to stay awake and alert for the signs of Christ\u2019s return.<\/p>\n
THE HOLY SPIRIT AS OUR WATCHMAN<\/strong><\/p>\n
The key reason why the watchman is so essential is because of the Holy Spirit that God has given to each believer. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a Helper and a spiritual guard who would guide us in these last days. This is not merely about keeping watch physically but spiritually, with a heightened awareness of the times we are in.<\/p>\n
\nJohn 16:13 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The Holy Spirit is actively guiding believers, alerting us to the dangers of the world and pointing us toward God’s truth. His role is to prepare us, warning us of the approaching dangers and encouraging us to stay alert.<\/p>\n
In the last days, the Holy Spirit is our seal of protection (Ephesians 1:13). He is the one who empowers us to discern the times and gives us the strength to stay faithful in the face of trials. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the wisdom and understanding necessary to navigate these perilous times.<\/p>\n
THE SUDDEN COMING OF CHRIST<\/strong><\/p>\n
The return of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected, as the Bible clearly teaches. Many people will be caught unaware, especially those who have ignored the call to repentance and failed to heed the warnings. Jesus likened His return to the days of Noah, where people were going about their daily lives, eating, drinking, and marrying, until the flood came suddenly and took them away (Matthew 24:37-39).<\/p>\n
\nMatthew 24:42-44 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.<\/em><\/p>\n
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.<\/em><\/p>\n
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The call is clear: be prepared. Don\u2019t wait until it\u2019s too late. The urgency of Jesus\u2019 warning is significant. Those who are spiritually unprepared will not be ready when He comes. The watchman\u2019s job is to warn people before it\u2019s too late, just as the prophets did in the Old Testament.<\/p>\n
THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN LAST-DAY ALERTNESS<\/strong><\/p>\n
One of the most important gifts the Lord gave us before He ascended was the Holy Spirit, whom He called our “Helper” (John 14:26). He knew that in these last days, darkness would cover the earth, and spiritual sleep would set in, dulling the hearts of many. The Holy Spirit was sent to awaken us, to guide us into all truth, and to be our spiritual guard. Without Him, we would be as those who fall asleep spiritually, unaware of the danger.<\/p>\n
\nRomans 8:9 (NKJV)<\/p>\n
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The Holy Spirit\u2019s presence in the life of a believer ensures that we are sealed and secure in Christ, and He continuously alerts us to the signs of the times. This is why those who are filled with the Holy Spirit will not be surprised when Christ returns. They will recognize the signs and will be ready to go when the time comes.<\/p>\n
\nEphesians 4:30 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
But for those who have not received the Holy Spirit, or have quenched Him, they will be spiritually unaware and will miss the warning signs. This is the tragedy of those who ignore the Spirit\u2019s call, who refuse to listen to His voice.<\/p>\n
THE SUDDEN END OF THE WORLD<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Bible is clear that the end of the world will come suddenly. The Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, catching the unprepared off guard. The world will be busy, thinking everything is fine, but suddenly, everything will change.<\/p>\n
\n2 Peter 3:10 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The suddenness of the coming judgment is a central theme in Scripture. Those who are not prepared, who are not watching, will face destruction.<\/p>\n
CONCLUSION: BE ALERT AND READY<\/strong><\/p>\n
We are living in the last days. The signs are clear, and the warnings are all around us. As believers, we must remain vigilant, keeping watch and staying alert to the voice of the Holy Spirit. The day of Christ\u2019s return is nearer than ever, and it will come suddenly. The question is: are you ready?<\/p>\n
If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, today is the day. Repent, turn away from sin, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. When you do this, you will receive the Holy Spirit, and He will guide you through the challenges of these last days.<\/p>\n
\nRomans 10:9-10 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
May the Lord bless you, guide you, and keep you ready for His return.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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