In ancient times, a “watchman” was a skilled armed man who protected the city. As you may recall, cities at that time had walls or some fencing and were gated. The gates would be closed at night, and the security guards would be on duty 24/7, watching for potential intruders and notifying their leaders. Watchmen provided reports on both positive and negative occurrences. I suspect that to be a watchman, one would need excellent eyesight to see far, keen hearing, and a heightened level of discernment to distinguish between good and evil.
Modern-Day Practical Application
In today’s world, watchmen play a role similar to that of armed or security guards. They can distinguish between right and wrong and assist individuals in devising a plan of action based on their observations. Watchmen function at different levels to aid the community of believers in responding to issues that are regional, national, or international in scope. I consider John Fenn, Dutch Sheets, Bobby Conner, Joe Sweet, Cindy Jacobs, Rick Joyner, Chuck Pierce, James Goll, Patricia King, and Bob Hazlett as national and regional watchmen in the United States. By regional, I mean they can speak into different jurisdictions; they also operate on a global scope. In the Bible, some prophets, such as Haggai, Amos, and Micah, also served as spiritual watchmen. At a local level, your pastor takes on the role of a watchman, and other church members may also possess similar skills to assist the pastor in guiding the congregation.
Whereas there are specific people who are highly gifted as watchmen in our day, each believer is a watchman of their own home, family, finances, etc. Since you are filled with the Holy Spirit, he can alert you of both danger and good so you can strategize for it, avert adverse incidences through prayer and planning, and align yourselves for God’s blessings through prayer and planning. The watchman’s ability is complemented by the ability to know times and seasons, as mentioned about the tribe of Issachar. “The sons of Issachar had an understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do.” (1 Chronicles 12:32). Watchmen partner with God to see His Kingdom and purposes established on earth (Ezekiel 22:30-31), thus they look out and look up to intercede and hear from God on behalf of people.
So, how would you know that the “watchman” is operating in you? When you sense or perceive something, please don’t ignore it. Instead, pray to God and ask for an explanation and strategy to handle it. Watch for warnings and instructions that may come through dreams, visions, or encounters during your prayer and devotion time. As a watchman, you can prevent evil and establish God’s purposes in your life, business, family, children, marriage, career, ministry, or church. Watchmen determine through prayers what comes into their lives, homes, churches, cities, and nations. They refuse to allow entrance to the serpent or any of his emissaries-Dutch Sheets.
You can use the following Scriptures in prayer to activate your “watchman” ability: So, teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). The Lord orders the steps of a good man, and He delights in his way. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37:23-24).
You are a watchman!