by: Abdel Judeh
The Bible says in Isaiah 62:6, “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence.” In Bible days, the cities were walled. A city was vulnerable to an attack if the walls were down or if they were breached. As you read the story of Nehemiah, it will dawn on you just how important the walls were. Equally important were the watchmen. They were placed in strategic positions on the wall, and they were to warn the people if an attack was coming. While the city slept, the watchmen looked into the night and waited for signs of danger. In the event that an enemy decided to attack, the watchman’s voice would thunder throughout the city calling on men to defend the walls. Let me ask you a question? How valuable was a silent watchman? If a watchman fell asleep or simply was neglectful in sounding the alarm it would mean the destruction of the entire city.
I ask you the same question posed in Isaiah 21:11, “Watchman, what of the night?” May I answer and say that the night is as dark as it’s ever been. Wicked organizations like Planned Parenthood push their ungodly agenda. The legalization of drugs and gay marriage reveal the moral decline of America. Decreased church attendance points to the fact that the night is dark. The atheist societies in America are growing and they are assaulting every reference to Jesus Christ in the public arena. The prince and power of the air has more tools at his disposal than he has ever had, and he has gained ground on the church in this hour. I ask you again, “Watchman, what of the night?” I think you will agree – it’s as dark as it’s ever been.
I ask you a second question, why have the watchmen grown silent? The night is dark, the enemy is advancing, but it is eerily quiet in our churches and youth groups.
Where are the watchmen who will lift their voice and thunder out against the threat of the enemy? Where are the watchmen who are proclaiming that the battle must be fought, yet reminding us that the victory has been won through Jesus Christ? We have abandoned our post as watchmen and settled for a comfortable spot in the center of the city where we can blend in with everyone else. Our preachers have traded preaching for “talks.” Instead of soul winning we prefer to “connect.” While we are talking and connecting, the enemy is assaulting. Words like “separation” and “holiness” give off a negative vibe even among the brethren – yet, they’re not negative words in the eyes of Almighty God! We’ve grown silent, refusing to speak up. Afraid to step out and reluctant to get in! All the while, the night grows darker and the enemy advances towards the city.
My heart is stirred! What began as a simple article has turned into a passionate plea for VOICES! We need men and women of courage, who will take their post above the crowd and lift their voices against the enemy! I have decided to be a voice for Jesus Christ. Join Me! Use your voice to proclaim Jesus and save a city! “Ye that make mention of The Lord, KEEP NOT SILENCE.”
Abdel Judeh
Youth Pastor
Landmark Baptist Church
Parkersburg, WV