STANDING ON THE WALLS OF ZION

Ezekiel 3:17 (KJV): “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.”

ABSTRACT

This article examines the solemn role of watchmen as described in Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White. It explores their spiritual duties to warn of danger, point to Christ’s light, awaken from spiritual slumber, and reflect God’s love and justice. Through biblical mandates and practical applications, the essay inspires the community to fulfill this calling with faithfulness in these last days.

WATCHMEN’S SACRED CALLING

The role of a watchman, as described in Scripture, is both solemn and sacred. This article explores the spiritual responsibilities of God’s servants as watchmen on the walls of Zion, drawing from Ezekiel, Isaiah, and the writings of Sr. White. The faithful watchman’s call is to sound the trumpet of warning, safeguard the church, and reflect God’s love to the world. The faithful watchmen must remain vigilant to discern dangers that threaten God’s people, as the Bible instructs 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,” and in Ezekiel 3:17, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” Ellen G. White emphasizes this vigilance: “The watchmen upon the walls of Zion should be vigilant to discern the dangers that threaten God’s people” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 10, 1882). She further stresses, “While men are sleeping, Satan is actively arranging matters so that the Lord’s people may not have mercy or justice” (The Watchman, December 25, 1906). By examining the biblical mandate and its practical applications, this essay seeks to inspire to fulfill their duties with unwavering faithfulness. But what does this duty entail in warning against impending peril?

SOLEMN SENTINELS AWAKE

A watchman’s duty, as described in Ezekiel 33:7, is to warn the people of impending danger: “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” Sr. White emphasizes the gravity of this role. The watchman must remain vigilant, alert to the Spirit’s guidance, and steadfast in proclaiming truth. Vigilance demands constant awareness against spiritual threats, as Nehemiah 4:9 declares, “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them,” and Psalm 127:1 warns, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Sr. White underscores this need: “God tests and proves us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the chapters of the heart” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 342, 1875). She adds, “The watchmen upon the walls of Zion should be vigilant to discern the dangers that threaten God’s people” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 10, 1882). This responsibility mirrors God’s justice—a justice that demands accountability from those entrusted with the care of His people. But how does the watchman respond to humanity’s cry amid darkness?

NIGHT’S QUESTION ANSWERED

Isaiah 21:11-12 presents a poignant question: “Watchman, what of the night?” This inquiry symbolizes humanity’s yearning for hope amid spiritual darkness. Faithful watchmen are tasked with pointing sinners to the light of Christ. Sr. White writes. The watchman’s trumpet must give a clear and decisive sound, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 14:8, to guide souls safely to the refuge of salvation. The call requires unwavering commitment, as Proverbs 8:34 urges, “Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors,” and Song of Solomon 3:3 illustrates, “The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?” Sr. White counsels diligence: “It is important that we relish the food we eat. If we cannot do this, but eat mechanically, our food does not do us that good it should, and we fail to be nourished and built up by it as we otherwise would be, if we could enjoy the food we take into the stomach” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 373, 1869). She also advises, “Morning exercise, walking in the free, invigorating air of heaven, or cultivating flowers, small fruits, and vegetables, is the surest safeguard against colds, coughs, congestion of the brain, inflammation of the liver, the kidneys, and the lungs, and a hundred other diseases” (Health Reformer, May 1, 1871). But what happens when watchmen fall into spiritual complacency?

LAODICEAN WATCHERS AWAKEN

Revelation 3:15-16 describes the Laodicean church as “lukewarm,” neither hot nor cold. Sr. White laments this spiritual blindness. Such unfaithful watchmen fail to recognize Satan’s devices, allowing him to ensnare souls. Jesus’ warning in Matthew 15:14 underscores the peril: “If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” The community must remain watchful against deception, as Luke 21:36 commands, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man,” and 1 Thessalonians 5:6 exhorts, “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” Sr. White highlights the peril: “Although there are evils existing in the church and will be until the end of the world, the church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 49, 1923). She warns further, “The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counseled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 49, 1923). Faithful watchmen must awaken from spiritual slumber, embracing their high calling with renewed zeal and commitment. But what are the consequences for those who fail in this sacred trust?

UNFAITHFUL’S DIVINE RECKONING

Ezekiel 9:5-6 reveals the consequences of unfaithfulness: “Slay utterly old and young… and begin at my sanctuary.” Sr. White explains. This judgment reflects God’s holiness and intolerance of complacency. Yet, it also serves as a call to repentance. Judgment demands accountability, as Deuteronomy 32:4 affirms, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he,” and Job 37:23 declares, “Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.” Sr. White elaborates on divine equity: “The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 124, 1890). She further notes, “The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven” (Messages to Young People, p. 35, 1930). By understanding the seriousness of their mission, watchmen can align their lives with God’s will and seek His grace to fulfill their charge. But how does this divine justice reveal God’s boundless compassion?

MERCY’S DIVINE REFLECTION

God’s love is evident in His provision of watchmen to guide His people. Isaiah 62:6-7 illustrates His unwavering commitment: “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem… ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence.” Sr. White affirms. Through the watchman’s warnings, God extends mercy, offering humanity the opportunity to repent and turn to Him. His love is patient, persistent, and redemptive. God’s mercy flows eternally, as Psalm 89:14 proclaims, “Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face,” and Isaiah 30:18 assures, “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” Sr. White reflects this grace: “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 103, 1890). She adds, “Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing” (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898). But what personal duty does this divine love impose upon each servant?

FAITHFUL SERVANT’S DUTY

As a servant of God, my foremost responsibility is to remain faithful to His calling. Mark 13:37 commands: “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Sr. White echoes this sentiment. This requires a deep connection with God through prayer and study, allowing His Spirit to guide my words and actions. By staying vigilant, I honor God’s trust and reflect His character to the world. Personal accountability calls for steadfast obedience, as Romans 14:12 states, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God,” and Galatians 6:5 reminds, “For every man shall bear his own burden.” Sr. White emphasizes diligence: “It is a religious duty for those who cook to learn how to prepare food in different ways, hygienically, for the table, so that it may be eaten with enjoyment” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 367, 1869). She further urges, “We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 146, 1900). But how does this faithfulness extend to those around us?

COMPASSIONATE TRUMPET SOUND

My responsibility to my neighbor is to sound the trumpet of warning with clarity and compassion. Ezekiel 33:8 warns, “If thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Sr. White emphasizes the necessity of love in this work. Through kindness, patience, and unwavering dedication, I must help others see the path to salvation. Loving our neighbor demands action, as 1 Corinthians 3:8 explains, “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour,” and Ezekiel 18:20 declares, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” Sr. White highlights this outreach: “It is the duty of all who touch the work of God to learn economy in the use of time and money” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 292, 1940). She adds, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest” (Education, p. 57, 1903). But what enduring impact does this vigilant service leave?

WATCHMAN’S ETERNAL LEGACY

The calling of a watchman is both a privilege and a responsibility. By fulfilling this role, we participate in God’s redemptive work, leading souls to safety and glorifying His name. Sr. White declares. Let us heed the admonition of Mark 13:37: “Watch.” May our lives testify to God’s love, justice, and mercy, inspiring others to join the heavenly fold. The legacy endures through eternal vigilance, as Matthew 24:42 commands, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come,” and Mark 13:33 urges, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” Sr. White affirms perseverance: “A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of Christianity” (Reflecting Christ, p. 37, 1985). She further inspires, “A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most sacred message that has come to our world” (Steps to Christ, p. 59, 1892). But what vital role does this play in preparing for the end?

LAST DAYS MISSION VITAL

The watchman’s mission is vital in these last days. By standing firm on the walls of Zion, sounding the trumpet of warning, and reflecting God’s love, we prepare ourselves and others for Christ’s soon return. Sr. White assures us. Let us embrace this sacred duty with unwavering faith, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Preparation requires end-time awareness, as Luke 21:36 exhorts, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man,” and Revelation 3:3 warns, “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” Sr. White encourages action: “There is need of a much closer study of the Word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 112-113, 1896). She adds, “The unfulfilled predictions of the book of Revelation are soon to be fulfilled. This prophecy is now to be studied with diligence by the people of God and should be clearly understood” (Notebook Leaflets 1:96, 1903).

“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,” (Isaiah 62:6).

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STANDING ON THE WALLS OF ZION

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