Dealing with the watchmen
Come, wild animals of the field! Come, wild animals of the forest! Come and devour my people! For the leaders of my people—the Lord’s watchmen, his shepherds—are blind and ignorant. They are like silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes. They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming. Like greedy dogs, they are never satisfied. They are ignorant shepherds, all following their own path and intent on personal gain. “Come,” they say, “let’s get some wine and have a party. Let’s all get drunk. Then tomorrow we’ll do it again and have an even bigger party!” Isaiah 56:9-12 NLT
The theme of revival among God’s people was heavily emphasized in the book of Isaiah. From our text, Isaiah was addressing what he referred to as the “watchmen.” They are the leaders of Israel composed of prophets, priests, and rulers. Their disregard of calling people to return to God and to live godly lives led the Israelites to fall under the bondage of Babylon. “Yet it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the sins of her priests, who defiled the city by shedding innocent blood. They wandered blindly through the streets, so defiled by blood that no one dared touch them” (Lamentations 4:13-14). Instead, they indulged themselves to godless conduct. They became blinded by their own selfish desires that they failed to warn the people of the coming danger. “They are like silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes” (Isaiah 56:10). They are supposed to be “shepherds” caring for the flock instead, they follow “their own path and intent on personal gain” (Isaiah 56:11). This is why God allowed them to suffer the consequences of their rebellious and sinful acts. God is able to navigate our hearts so we will grow in a relationship with Him. He does this when we submit to the Spirit and grow meditating in His Word. This cannot happen by our own individual abilities and strength. We must surrender to His working. Nations will come and go as well as churches but God will not deceive us. The ones who will find God’s glory inevitable now and for eternity and will live for this, will find rest and experience the peace of God.
Blessings,
