The Watchman

When the NFMJ pastors & leaders went to South Korea, we actually saw Changing of Guard in one of their Museum Village.

In the downtown Seoul, we feel honored to wear the noble clothing of the king and princess. We walk along the boulevard where the statue of their king erected.

I came into my mind of the king as if he is the watchman of land, sitting in his high throne watching day and night.

I remember the Word of the LORD in the book of Ezekiel 33 (read during my daily devotion) telling Ezekiel to say to Israel to appoint watchman over the land.

The Criteria of a True Watchman:
1. He is wide awake, not sleeping
2. He positioned in a high place
3. He has focusing telescope
4. He has vision that could move into 180 degree turn
5. He has focus and not distracted
6. He has an alarm ready to blow
7. He done his duty well until his relieve arrive

And I related it to us, spiritual leaders (Pastors & Ministry heads), being the watchman over our flock. We have to do our part in order that people under our watch is being warn and protected from coming destruction. It can be physical, emotional or spiritual damage.

As leaders we have to define clearly what is our priorities: our flock concern or our own. Sometimes when difficulties come in my ministry, I look back the time I'm not a Pastor just a Lay Preacher. I have to work as my profession demand, provide for my family needs (material, physical, emotional, & spiritual) and Sunday preach the Word of God. No much headache and big responsibility for erring brethren. Less enemies, more friends.

But the LORD is not satisfied of the less effort we exert for building His kingdom in the heart of men. He want more from us, leaving our comfort zone. When times got rough in the ministry I always tends to give up and sing the song, "I surrender all".

But every time it came up, the Word of God always appear in 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV). When Prophet Elijah told by the LORD to appoint his successor before the chariots of fire took him up. I relate myself to Elisha calling: He left his work, destroyed completely his means of living: slaughtered the oxen & burned the plowing equipment (v21).

In my thoughts, many times I give up the ministry and you will wonder why I'm still continuing. It is because my wife always encourage and support me (that's good if you have a Christian spouse who have one solid spirit and also willingly accept the calling).

And the last that keep me going is the scene of Peter's reinstatement in the ministry to be a fisher not of fish again but men (Jn 21:15-19) until the end of his life. How about you, my fellow worker of the LORD, what is your primary concern?

Created over 1 year ago