Tag: Matthew 24:3
Watchman, what is left of the night?
Scripture reading for July 22: Isaiah 21-23
Prophets in the Old Testament were often likened to watchmen. Watchmen were stationed on the city wall to give early warning of approaching danger or enemy attack. They also functioned as an alarm clock to the people of the city. They kept track of the time and announced the arrival of a new day. When someone awoke, they could call out to the watchman on duty and inquire about the time.
“Someone calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?” The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask; and come back yet again.” (Isaiah 21:11-12)
These ancient verses were a prophecy of Isaiah written down for Dumah, a Hebrew word meaning “silence”. This prophecy was meant for Edom and Seir was a city in Edom. As we read these verses think about our day and time. Many are asleep and living in darkness. They don’t know what time it is prophetically and are unaware of the danger of the coming time.
The question: “What is left of the night?” is applicable today! The disciples asked Jesus when He would come, what would be the signs of His coming and the end of the age. (Matthew 24:3) Jesus told them no man would know the day or the hour of His coming again. (Matthew 24:38) He also taught that many would be caught unaware and unprepared for that day! (Matthew 24:37-41) His coming would be like a “thief in the night”! (Matthew 24:42-44)
The watchman’s answer was revealing: “The morning is coming, also the night”. Many today are not aware that the “day” that is coming will be “night” for them! They are living in perpetual darkness and are not ready for the arrival of the “Son”. They are living in deception and are in danger of being cast into outer darkness for eternity!
Are you ready today? Are you being a wise ‘watchman’ who is busy warning those of the coming “day” of the Lord? Are you living in such a way that others can see your preparation or are you setting a bad example by living in the darkness? “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:14-15)