“And the lookout shouted, “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; every night I stay at my post.” (Isaiah 21:8)

“I’ve posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. Day and night they keep at it, praying, calling out, reminding God to remember. They are to give him no peace until he does what he said, until he makes Jerusalem famous as the City of Praise.” (Isaiah 62:6-7, Msg.)

 

In Old Testament times, watchmen were stationed on top of the walls of a city. They would stand atop those walls and look out into the distance to see what is coming.

If an enemy came and shot a fiery dart, the watchman had a bucket of water on hand to pour over the fire so it didn’t burn a hole in the wall. If the watchman saw an army coming, he would give a warning. If he saw friends coming bearing gifts, he would alert the gatekeepers to let them in.

The watchman’s responsibility was to guard the goods of the city.

As a pray-er, God has made you a spiritual watchman. He has set you somewhere and given you responsibility to watch over that place. I don’t know all the places or assignments he has given you responsibility to watch over, but I do know some of them. I know He has given you responsibility to watch over yourself, your family, and other believers as the Spirit leads “praying always…and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18 KJV).

He has also given you responsibility and the assignment to watch over the apple of His eye, Israel; the Covenant Land; and the global Jewish community. In doing so, we fulfill the Lord’s mandate in Genesis 12:3 to bless Israel.

As you handle those responsibilities, He will give you other territories and assignments to watch over, perhaps even more strategically in praying over a particular city, borders, leaders, a war zone, dangerous developments and Israeli soldiers, student leaders in CUFI on Campus, and American leadership to support Israel.

Pay attention to what the Spirit is saying to you about them. Stay sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit and be quick to pray when He quickens you to pray. Do what Isaiah 62:6-7 says and “[…by your prayers]”put the Lord in remembrance [of His promises], keep not silence, and give Him no rest” until He establishes Jerusalem [your territories and assignments] and makes it a “praise in the earth!” (Amp.)

Whatever He has given you, be faithful to carry it and see it through.