The Night Watchman

It's a funny day to write about Jesus' words of warning. It just so happens, that as I have been writing every day for a few weeks, I begin to be tempted not to write every day, which is my original goal. Someone could argue that that goal is self-imposed, and I should feel comfortable taking a break, if I feel like its a good idea.

But it does not feel like a good idea. The thought that I should not write today is coming from the fallen man in me, that doesn't want to spend time reflecting on God's Word today. "You've had enough Bible already, and you will only be surrounded by it more again in the days to come. Just relax..." These are the words that swirl through my brain as I postpone sitting here. I am almost glad now for having the temptation, because it has led to Jesus' words having unique, urgent impact to me right here and now.

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " -Mark 13:32-37

I may not have felt on most days that I need this warning. Many hours and days I feel like i am the opposite of sleeping. I feel like I am a headless chicken frantically running around directionless, but running just the same. Other days God lays a very specific task on my plate and says, "Joel, bear fruit." And so fruit appears through me from him. and I can hardly rest to breathe on those days.

And so getting caught in bed does not always seem like a realistic warning, until I think about the things that I know are beneficial, that I slack on because though my new man knows they are immensely valuable, my old self sees them as requiring effort.

Given Jesus' picture of a watchman, it seems valuable to look at myself to see what kind of night watchman I am. How often am I the late night security guard who switches channels on the security monitor to watch youtube videos. As the thief arrives, I am confident in my websearching because of all the previous nights when their was no thief.

Thank you Jesus for the reminder. And thank you for not telling me the day or the hour. I know I would be even less faithful if I knew. Thank you also for repeatedly waking up your disciples in the garden. You forgave them and reminded them of their mission, and I know you forgive and remind me also. You are good to me.

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