SEARCHLIGHT
What will you do to help build a Godly society?
SCRIPTURE
At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.” Ezekiel 3:16,17 NIV
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, …But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I hold the watchman accountable for their blood.” “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.” Ezekiel 33:1,2,6,7 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22,1963 in Dallas, Texas. Here is his never heard speech he was going to give that day.
“We in this country in this generation are, by destiny rather than choice, the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint, and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” That must always be our goal and the righteousness of our cause must always underlie our strength. For as it was written long ago, “Except the Lord keeps the city, the watchmen stand guard but in vain.”
President Kennedy’s speech was a call for all Americans to stand watch for world freedom. He wanted them to join him in pursuing an earth characterized by peace and goodwill rather than hate and injustice. In this unheard speech, Kennedy used 3 Bible verses to make his point. Check them out for yourself. In the Scripture focus above, you have the first one which is a call to become a watchman. Then check out Luke 2:14 and Psalm 127.
God is commissioning all believers to become a watchman for Godliness. Society needs someone to point the way to living by Godly principles, convictions, and values. The reasons why God set laws and principles out needs to be explained. Too many people want society to be governed by an openness to do as you please and see fit. “Do your own thing,” and “Do what is best for you,” are values being taught in today’s world. What is detestable before God has become acceptable to many people. The Bible based institutions of marriage and family are being redefined. Gender definition is also. Abortion is far too common a practice. Too many people oppose God’s ways as directed in God’s Word, the Bible. Many need to hear the benefits of living by God’s laws rather than making up their own as they need them.
You are commissioned by God to become a watchman. He wants you to look out for future generations. Ask the hard questions such as, “If we choose to live this way, where will we be in 25 years? What will our society look like?” You are going to have to be courageous and honest because some people will not like you for representing Godliness. God is looking for some watchmen to become members of the school committee and town council. He longs for Godly people to become state and federal representatives.
A Godly watchman is both seen and heard. Jesus put it this way: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” [Matthew 5:13-16 NIV]
SOMETHING TO DO
Too often we excuse ourselves from filling the Godly role of a watchman because we do not feel capable. If you are a parent or grandparent, you should be a watchman. How are you guiding your family toward Godliness?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, I believe you have set this world in motion to be governed by your principles, laws, and standards. Life goes best when we do it your way. Help me to be a watchman who will point people to personally know you and follow your ways. AMEN!