Watchman, What of the Night?

Over the years, I have been asked many times, "Preacher, do you think we are living in the last days?" My answer has always been the same. I do not know the day nor the hour when our Lord shall return, for Jesus Himself said,

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." (Matthew 24:36 KJV)

What I do know is that there has never been a time in history when so many prophetic signs seem to align with the events of the day. Nations are in turmoil. Wars and rumors of wars fill the headlines. Alliances are shifting. Israel stands increasingly alone among the nations. The love of many is growing cold. Deception is spreading through the world and even into the churches.

Yet we must be careful. These signs are not given so that we may set dates or predict tomorrow's headlines. They are given to awaken us to the reality that the return of our Lord is drawing nearer.

The signs are road markers, not the destination.

When I drive down an Indiana country road and see a sign that says the town is ten miles ahead, I do not stop and claim I have arrived. The sign simply tells me I am getting closer. So it is with prophecy. Every sign points us toward the coming of Christ, but the sign itself is not the event.

Jesus told His disciples:

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:28 KJV)

Notice He said when these things begin to come to pass. The purpose of the signs is not fear. The purpose of the signs is preparation.

Sadly, many Christians spend more time arguing about prophecy than they do warning sinners about the judgment to come. We debate nations, armies, treaties, and political leaders while men and women all around us are marching toward eternity without Christ.

The greatest sign of all is not what is happening in Washington, Jerusalem, Moscow, or Tehran. The greatest sign is that God is still extending His mercy. The door of grace is still open. The invitation of salvation is still being offered.

That is why the church has been called to be a watchman.

The Lord told the prophet:

"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel." (Ezekiel 3:17 KJV)

The watchman stood upon the wall and looked into the distance. When he saw danger approaching, he sounded the trumpet. He did not wait until the enemy was at the gate. He warned the people while there was still time to prepare.

That is our responsibility today.

We are not called to predict dates.

We are not called to create sensational headlines.

We are not called to stir fear.

We are called to sound the warning.

We are called to tell men that judgment is coming.

We are called to proclaim that Jesus saves.

We are called to point sinners to the cross while mercy still remains.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

"Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." (2 Corinthians 5:11 KJV)

Friend, time is running out. Every passing day brings us one day closer to standing before God. The world mocks the message. Many churches have grown silent. Some have exchanged the Gospel for politics, entertainment, and self-help religion. Yet the old message remains true.

Jesus Christ still saves.

His blood still cleanses.

His grace still forgives.

His mercy still reaches the worst of sinners.

If you are reading these words and have never trusted Christ as your Savior, do not delay. You do not need to walk down a church aisle, find a priest, or seek out a pastor to begin. Right where you are, bow your heart before God. Confess your sin. Repent and believe the Gospel.

The Bible says:

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13 KJV)

Church, let us take our place once again upon the wall. Let us lift up the trumpet and sound the warning. Let us tell a lost world that Jesus is coming. Not to create fear, but to offer hope. Not to condemn, but to point men to the Savior.

The signs are all around us.

The night is far spent.

The day is at hand.

Watchman, what of the night?

The answer is simple: Morning is coming, and the King is on His way.