A watchman is required to be alert, to become aware of a developing situation and take action to avoid disaster. Think of a fire watchtower in a forest. The forester needs to detect a wisp of smoke deep in the forest and act immediately to prevent a devastating forest fire.
Jesus asks us to be alert so that we will respond
immediately when he comes for us. So, what do we need to be watching out for constantly?
We need to be alert to and discerning of the forces of evil and sin around us in the world, causing destruction and disaster, and work against them. But simultaneously, we need to be alert to the greater forces of God’s love and goodness at work among us, providing, protecting, healing and enlivening, and cooperate with God
in God’s actions. We are warned that discernment between good and evil will become increasingly difficult and subtle. All the more reason to be spiritually awake, alert and immediately responsive.
In an increasingly busy and noisy world, we too readily respond to the turmoil going on around us, like the storm waves battering a drowning person. We do not take time to discern the strong, sure saving actions of God which are
taking place at a deeper level. After all, Jesus has overcome sin, destruction and death. Is it perhaps this saving, quiet work of his that he wishes us to be more aware of and alert to, so that we can work alongside him?
We are not to be left unaware or uninformed. Jesus wants us to experience his presence among us long before he calls so that we will instantly respond and follow.
Where is your main focus? What are you thinking about or what is at the back of your mind as you go about your daily routines, work and daily life? How can you be more attuned to God and what his Spirit is doing around you? How can you be more alert and respond more readily?
