by Chuck Ness
Up until the 19th century, cities often stationed watchmen on high walls or in watchtowers to keep guard. Their job was to keep an eye out for the enemy, by watching out over the horizon from their vantage point. They were the ones who warned the people of any apparent dangers. If they saw any sign of an attack, they would alert the people with a trumpet blast, or ringing a bell. However, if they failed to properly warn the people, by falling asleep or just being unaware, then the city could be attacked without the citizens being prepared to defend themselves. If they were ever caught sleeping on the job, their punishment was death.
You're probably wondering why this matters to Christians. Well, there is an Old Testament warning from God to Ezekiel that should also be taken as a warning to us Christians. (Ezekiel 33:1-20) A warning that we must heed, in order that we can truly understand the importance of being Christ's messenger in the World. I posted the Scripture at the end of the commentary.
Posts
