Watchmen

I’m getting ready for a funeral. The second this month of a beloved church member. As a pastor, it is both heart-wrenching and sobering. Heart-wrenching because of the loss; sobering because the death of a congregant is a stark reminder of the true work of a pastor. 

I had the privilege of being in a room full of pastors yesterday. Pastors young and old; male and a few female. Pastors who are well-known and those no one has heard of. Those who lead crowds and those with only a handful of congregants. Pastors with state-of-the-art church buildings, multiple campuses, and the expensive lifestyle to show for it - and those with nothing to show. But none of this bears any significance when it comes to a pastor's work. 

The image often used to describe a pastor's work is that of a shepherd. It is understandable because this image is littered throughout Scripture. But there is another image, another ancient occupation that God uses to paint a picture of pastoral ministry: a watchman.

“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” Hebrews 11:17 (NLT)

To “watch over” in this context is not just an activity, it identifies spiritual leaders because this activity is a duty performed by watchmen. The image of God’s prophet being a watchman has been popularized by the prophet Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 3:17-19 and 33:1-7), but there are other portions of Scripture that give us an idea of a watchman’s work.

Firstly, the watchmen of Bible times (also called “lookouts”) were assigned the task of watching over the fields (read Isaiah 5:1-2). Watchtowers were built within plantations overlooking the fields. In the weeks the crops were ripening toward harvest, watchmen would stand watch, guarding the fields from animals or from thieves who would make off with the crops. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul identifies God’s church as His field. Pastors are not only called to plant and water the seed of God’s Word (see 1 Corinthians 3:5-8) – which is bringing people to the faith and nurturing their growth - pastors are also called to stand guard over the church, ensuring that the harvest of God’s field is not lost.

This is why Paul laments over the church in Galatia: “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). Paul was concerned for the Galatian church because ‘thieves’ were making off with the crops through their message of circumcision. Pastors are therefore not only to encourage and teach, but they are also to admonish and correct as they watch over God’s field.  

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Secondly, watchmen were responsible for watching over the city (read 2 Kings 9:17-20). Using the city wall or a tower, watchmen would survey the scene outside the fortifications. They would monitor the approaches to the town and would report what they see (see Isaiah 21:6). If a threat appeared, they would sound a warning and the town would shut its gates and prepare for battle (see Ezekiel 33:2-4). Pastors are to hear what God says and not hold back from warning God’s people (see Ezekiel 33:8-9).

Watchmen not only stood on the wall or tower when performing their duty, but they would also patrol and make rounds in the city ensuring its safety (see Song of Songs 5:7). It is my personal conviction that pastors are not to be so highly elevated above the congregation that they no longer have close contact with them being oblivious to the dangers of their reality. 

Lastly, watchmen were also responsible for standing vigil (read Isaiah 21:11-12). Watchmen were to stay in their post throughout the night, waiting for morning (see Psalm 130:6). As each watch of the night passed, they were required to call out the hour of the night. Through the prophetic Word that they declare, pastors not only give an indication of the times and seasons but also give direction in such times.

When I pondered on this matter, I was overwhelmed by the weight of the task given to us. I honestly would rather God assigned us to watch over something tangible, something measurable; instead of something so valuable and eternal like the human soul. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that one can fulfil this duty and give an acceptable account before the Master.