Isaiah: a watchman on the walls of the Church

Isaiah is the longest book in the Bible, at 66 chapters. He is the Major prophet, he wrote chapters on Jesus Christ, his life, the Cross, and Reign as King. He spoke on the various nations surrounding Israel, he spoke of the future of Israel and nations for years to come, even to the End of time. Jesus quoted extensively from Isaiah, so did all the apostles. So, I wonder what sort of a private life of this saint.

Here in Isaiah 21: 6-8, he opens up his calling. He is called to be a Watchman. He describes his occupation in these lines, I stand continually on the Watchtower in the daytime, I have sat at my post every night. I declare what Holy Spirit shows me: On one side I warn my people, on the other side I pray for them with tears.

This is the life of Jesus Christ, our shepherd and High Priest, who ever lives to make Intercession for us (Heb 7:25). On one side, Jesus warned us of Judgement and hell, and on the other, He invited us warmly to be saved and loved. The watchman who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel, will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:3,4)

The Burden against Dumah is one of the most tenderest passages in the Bible.

(Dumah/Seir is a place). My dad quoted it often, many famous preachers preached from this. In those days, Watchman on the walls of a city, were supposed to watch out, guard and they were also timekeepers. So, here is the picture of a man, unable to bear his agony and sorrow at night, sleepless, coming all the way to the Watchman on the walls and asks him,

"what time is it brother? I just can’t bear this darkness."

And the Prophet replies, "Morning is coming, don’t worry, am praying for you. Things are surely going to change, God will soon wipe away your tears. If you want to enquire again, come back, I will be here standing at my post, am there for you. And whether its morning or the subsequent night again, am there praying for you."

Also, I urge you to carry people in your hearts - Men of God, people that God has knit into your life etc. We all pray for our own spouse, parents, children, cat, dog, pigeon etc, but please carry 2-3 godly friends and even some unbelievers in your hearts in prayer daily. That’s the way to pray. Paul always told his Church members, mentioning friends by name and telling them, I am praying for you. But finally, when he writes personal notes in closing the epistles, he requests prayer for himself and says, Brethren pray for us. 1 Thess 5:25.

Lastly, pray for the Church universal. It’s at its saddest state in perhaps all of its history. You are the watchman. God will hear your prayer. Jesus will answer your prayer for the Church, God’s honour is at stake, hence he will not fail. But he needs praying men & women on earth. Martin Luther prayed and God shook the nations, Evan Roberts prayed and the Holy Spirit shook the planet, David Wilkerson prayed every night and a ministry (Teen Challenge) in NYC was birthed and later Times Square Church as a testimony to the nations. Will you pray?