Watchman

​January 9, 1973. I enlisted in the United States Navy.
I spent four years as a Hospital Corpsman, caring for the medical needs of sailors and Marines during the Viet Nam war. -
First stop of my all expenses paid journey with Uncle Sam: boot camp. The Naval Training Center was in San Diego, California. Upon arrival, I and other fresh recruits were unceremoniously welcomed by a meaner-than-a- snake, screaming at the top of his lungs drill sergeant, calling us things I cannot repeat here!
Civilian clothes were quickly confiscated. 1960-70’s style mustaches, beards, long hair and anything else that looked hippy-ish was shaved off. Bald as a billiard ball and in shock, I and my new GI buddies looked like aliens from a galaxy far, far away!
Then, accompanied by more yelling about our mothers, each of us were assigned guard duty. Our names were put on a watch list for two hour shifts in the middle of the night on a watchtower. Intimidated to the max by our new “mother” I and my shocked wanna-be-sailors wondered what in the world are we going to guard?
San Diego of course. Boot camp for sure. Really? Me, with a fake rifle, was going to hold off an enemy invasion? Who in the world would want to conquer boot camp anyway? I remember thinking as I walked around watching for the enemy from my watchtower post, struggling to stay awake, “What is the purpose of this exercise?
Military. Guard duty. Watchtowers. Being on watch is vital to security. New recruits like me ts could very well be in a warzone soon. Vietnam was still a raging, dangerous battle zone. Right up front we learned the importance of being watchmen on watch towers. Watching. Observing. Guarding. Warning the troops if the enemy was preparing to attack.
A soldier on guard duty is protecting himself, fellow soldiers, his country and his loved ones from enemies. Guard duty, being on watch, is not just about the individual soldier. It is about standing guard against evil that seeks to destroy everything the soldier on guard duty holds dear.
In the service, if a soldier slept on guard duty, he could face the death penalty. Staying awake on watch to keep fellow soldiers safe was not taken lightly.
Biblically, Christians are watchmen on watch towers, on guard duty, looking out for themselves and the people they love.
So, what are Christians watching for, guarding?
Peter helps us out. He writes in I Peter 5:8-9 “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert (guard duty). Your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”
Note Peter says to be” firm in your faith.” Faith in Christ is always under assault. Believers in Jesus are to be on constant, vigilant alert from attacks of the devil who is a murderous, lying thief who steals, kills and destroys. Satan is the chief foe of our faith. His strategy is to convince Christians to stop believing in Jesus and to keep non-Christians from coming to Christ.
Observations from I Peter 5:8-9

1. Stay sober in spirit. Do not be intoxicated with a spirit of unbelief or doubt.
2. Be on the alert. Wide awake. Watchful. No sleeping on spiritual guard duty!
3. Watch out for the devil. He prowls about like a roaring, stalking lion. Satan is always on the prowl to take out non-Christians and Christians.
4. Satan seeks someone to devour. Do not be devourable. Stay close to the Lord. Put your spiritual armor on every day (Ephesians 6:10-20).
5. Resist the evil one. When you see the enemy of your soul coming, RESIST! James 4:7 “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
6. Be bold in your belief. Stand firm, immovable in faith. Do not be shaken. Watch for the enemy and repel him with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who has conquered the devil!
7. Never forget other brothers and sisters in Christ are under attack and suffering for the Lord. Pray for them. Be an example for them to take courage from in the faith fight.

My friends and fellow followers of Jesus, be a watchman at your post. Watch as you intercede for others. Watch as you study and confess the Word. Watch as you endure attacks. Watch to help Christians who need a faith boost. Watch for revival to come to the church, America and the world. Watch with expectation for the glorious coming of the Lord!!!!  
When you and I became a Christian we enlisted in the Lord’s army (II Timothy 2:1-4). Jesus is our Commander in Chief. You signed for as a watchman in God’s Kingdom. Are you alert spiritually? Obeying God’s orders? On guard duty? Watching and warning?
Whatever it takes, never drop your spiritual guard. Remain awake and alert at your faith post.
Be a spiritual watchman on the watch tower for yourself, your loved ones, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and people you would like to lead to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
Watch. Warn. Win in the name of Jesus!
 
“Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth, and give them warning from Me.” Ezekiel 33:7
“The Lord is faithful and He will keep you, strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” II Thessalonians 3:3
A Word For Your Week: Watch for God who watches over you and your loved ones.