Saved
If you select a man from your coasts…
It means that the watchman must be one of the people of the land…one of the people of Israel. In the NT, we learnt of Epaphras whom Paul described as “One of you…”.
Therefore, the watchman, intercessor, prophet is selected from among God’s people…such must be a member of the commonwealth of Israel. You become part of God’s people by coming out of sin and surrendering your life to the Lordship of Christ.
Sanctified
Sanctification is a necessary quality for becoming a divinely approved watchman. Sanctification means that we are fully consecrated to God and our hearts and affections are purged from sinful nature. This is the kind of heart that can effectively serve God’s kingdom as a watchman.
This ministry requires people who are truly crucified with Christ and who are practically living the crucified life – a life that places God first above every other thing.
A watchman who is thinking about himself is bound to fail. This is a life that is ready to give up everything for the cause of the kingdom. This study requires us to revisit the teaching of purity of heart. It takes unfeigned love to be a watchman over others.
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s (Phil 2:20, 21)
A watchman that is self-centered will cause great havoc. Is 56: 9-12
Our motives must be pure. The principle of sin must be dealt with. The old man must be crucified.
If you look at some of the disciples of Christ, they had struggles with becoming the kind of watchman they needed to be. However, they were helped because Jesus prayed for their sanctification (John 17:3). It was further evident in Acts 2 that they walked in one accord.
They struggled with the idea of becoming the greatest
They struggled with anger – the sons of Boanerges
Peter had self-confidence
Salvation from sin and self is a requirement to be a worthy watchman in the kingdom of God.
Spirit-filled
The Spirit of God is the Spirit of truth and revelations.
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding – Job 32:8
The presence of the Holy Spirit in your life as a watchman begets you understanding of things beyond your physical sight. You also get divine inspiration about what to do. This is a crucial matter in spiritual leadership.
The men of Issachar had understanding and they knew what Israel ought to do. This was why they could offer direction. For you to be able to give direction (exhibit spiritual leadership), you need to be filled and full of the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual hunger, passion and love
Watchmen are passionate people. They are consumed with the love of God and filled with the fire of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, they are hungry for more of God in their own lives and they constantly seek for the glory of God.
Their hunger, passion and love sets them free from all passivity and sets them praying and taking actionable steps as led by the Spirit of God.
Nehemiah was an example of this in his own generation. He was burdened about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. He prayed to the God of heaven and he got divine backing. He took actionable steps which led to the rebuilding of the walls. He also sought for the true worship of Jehovah to be restored to the land.
Sensitive (discerning)...they have revelation…they are awake and alert
A watchman must not be undiscerning. This will lead to disaster. Is 56: 9ff
The Lord calls every watchman to be in the realm of discernment.
Rev 3:17-18; 1 Thess 5:5-7
Our Lord also showed this example in his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. He asked his disciples: Could you not watch with me for one hour? His prayer was the means whereby He gained strength to be able to stand in the hour of the power of darkness.
He was sensitive to discern that season. Watchmen are sensitive enough to discern;
Seasons in their lives and homes
Seasons in their churches/body of Christ
Seasons in their nations/world at large
Spirit of prayer
But we will give ourselves to prayer, and the ministry of the word. This is talking about being addicted to prayers. It means prayer has become so natural to us. An example of such kind of watchman is Epaphras (Col 4:2)
Scriptural
Watchmen must take heed unto themselves and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee 1 Tim 4:16
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