THE WATCHMAN'S CRY

THE WATCHMAN’S CRY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 62:6-7

Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 3:17, Habakkuk 2:1, Isaiah 21:6, Mark 13:33-37, Acts 20:31

INTRODUCTION:
God has appointed watchmen over His people—spiritual gatekeepers, intercessors, and heralds of warning. These are men and women who are awake in the spirit, positioned to watch, to pray, and to speak for God. The call of a watchman is not a passive one; it is marked by alertness, faithfulness, and unceasing intercession.

In Isaiah 62:6-7, God declares that He has placed watchmen on the walls who will not hold their peace day or night until Jerusalem becomes a praise in the earth. This is a prophetic picture of the church's responsibility to watch and pray until God's will is fully established on earth.

Today, the Holy Spirit is stirring the church to return to this call—to take our place on the walls and cry out to God for revival, protection, and restoration. The cry of the watchman must rise again!

1. THE IDENTITY OF A WATCHMAN
A watchman is more than a title—it is a divine assignment to remain spiritually alert and responsible over people and territories.

a) A watchman is divinely appointed (Ezekiel 3:17):
God Himself sets the watchman over the house of Israel, giving him responsibility for warning His people.

b) A watchman must stay awake (Mark 13:35-37):
The duty of the watchman is to remain vigilant and never be caught sleeping.

c) A watchman is a voice, not an echo (Isaiah 58:1):
They cry aloud and spare not, proclaiming God’s truth without fear or compromise.

d) A watchman guards and warns against danger (Isaiah 21:6):
His job is to see and declare what is coming—whether good or evil.

Biblical Example: Samuel was a watchman-prophet who heard God's voice clearly and guided Israel during transition (1 Samuel 3:10-21).

2. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A WATCHMAN
Being a watchman requires deep commitment, spiritual discipline, and a burden for souls and the destiny of the land.

a) Watchmen must pray without ceasing (Isaiah 62:6):
They give God no rest until He establishes His promise.

b) Watchmen must warn with urgency (Ezekiel 33:6):
If they see danger and fail to warn, they will be held accountable.

c) Watchmen must stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30):
They intercede on behalf of a nation to avert judgment.

d) Watchmen must proclaim God’s word faithfully (Jeremiah 1:17):
They must not be afraid of men, but speak all that God commands.

Biblical Example: Noah was a faithful watchman who warned his generation and obeyed God’s instructions (Hebrews 11:7).

3. THE BURDEN OF A WATCHMAN
True watchmen carry a divine burden—they are sensitive to God’s heart and grieved by spiritual decay.

a) A watchman weeps for the city (Lamentations 2:18):
He cries out for revival, repentance, and restoration.

b) A watchman is stirred by divine urgency (Habakkuk 2:1):
He positions himself to hear and respond swiftly.

c) A watchman feels God’s burden deeply (Jeremiah 9:1):
Their hearts break over what breaks God’s heart.

d) A watchman calls for national repentance (Joel 2:17):
They cry between the porch and the altar on behalf of the people.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah mourned for Jerusalem and fasted, carrying a deep burden until restoration came (Nehemiah 1:1-11).

4. THE REWARD OF A FAITHFUL WATCHMAN
Though often unnoticed by men, watchmen are remembered by God and rewarded for their labour in the spirit.

a) Watchmen preserve lives and destinies (Ezekiel 33:7):
Their warnings can save individuals and nations from destruction.

b) Watchmen are vessels of revival (Isaiah 62:7):
They pray until God makes His people a praise in the earth.

c) Watchmen receive divine insight and favour (Daniel 2:19):
They are entrusted with divine secrets and strategies.

d) Watchmen are honoured by heaven (2 Timothy 4:7-8):
God rewards their faithfulness with a crown of righteousness.

Biblical Example: Daniel was a faithful watchman who interceded for his nation and received angelic revelations (Daniel 9:1-23).

CONCLUSION:
The watchman's cry must be heard again in our generation. We cannot afford to be silent while danger looms and spiritual apathy grows. God is calling His church to rise up and take our place on the walls—to watch, to pray, to warn, and to weep until revival breaks forth.

Are you willing to be God's watchman? Will you bear His burden and refuse to rest until His kingdom is established in your family, your church, and your nation?

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, awaken my spirit to be alert and sensitive to Your voice.
2. Father, make me a faithful watchman in my family and community.
3. I repent for times I have neglected my spiritual assignment.
4. Give me a burden for souls and for the condition of the church.
5. Help me to intercede consistently and passionately.
6. Strengthen me to stand in the gap for my nation.
7. Let Your fire burn continually upon my prayer altar.
8. Make me bold to proclaim Your Word without fear.
9. Reveal divine strategies and insights to me as I watch.
10. Raise up more watchmen in this generation with holy fire.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall not be silent in this season—you will be a voice for God.
2. The Lord is placing fire on your altar and power in your prayers.
3. Every spiritual slumber is broken off your life.
4. You will be a faithful intercessor and spiritual gatekeeper.
5. The Lord will reveal divine secrets to you in the place of prayer.
6. Your cry will shake the heavens and release answers.
7. You will protect your family and community through prayer.
8. God will reward you openly for your secret labours.
9. You will see revival because you did not remain silent.
10. The mantle of the watchman is resting upon you now!