Perilous Times Primer #18

Watchman, What of the Night?

“Watchman, what of the night?” Isa 21:11

“But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned,
and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity;
but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” Eze 33:6
“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Act 20:26–27
The Watchman

The watchman was a familiar figure in ancient Israel. From the guarding of the vineyards, to the watchtowers of the city, they were to warn of approaching danger, and rally the people to respond (Jer 31:6; 2Ki 9:17–20; 1Sa 14:16; 2Sa 18:24–27; Jer 51:12).

As indicated by the passages above, the watchman was accountable for loss of life, should he fail to give adequate warning. This could occur due to his sleeping on the job, distraction from his duty, or collusion with the enemy. Whatever the cause, failure to warn of impending danger resulting in loss of life brought blood-guilt upon him.
The prophets were designated as spiritual watchmen to the nation of Israel. It was their duty before God to warn the nation of impending judgment, and to call the nation to preempt the coming calamity by serious soul-searching and repentance. The words of John to the Pharisees is the watchman’s cry; “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.” (Mat 3:7–8; Luk 3:7–8). When the warning was given of impending danger, and the people responded to the watchman’s call, the threat would often dissipate, or be postponed, as in the case of Nineveh (Jon 3:10). This often resulted in the mockery of the watchman, scorn for his message, and usually, the ultimate fulfillment of his words at a later date.
The Apostle Paul applied both the figure and the accountability of the watchman to himself. Because he had labored for two years in Ephesus (Act 19:10), and had taught the “whole counsel of God,” he was free from accountability for the “blood” or judgment which might come upon any person under his ministry. This sobering responsibility lands on the shoulders of all who serve as a minister and teacher of the Word of God.
What of the Night?

The most dangerous and common time of attack was at night, usually in the small hours of the morning. The phrase “What of the night?” was an anxious query as to whether danger was at hand.

Such a cry has now spread across the land, and must be answered. Grave danger is approaching these United States, and the warning has been given for some time. There is little time left, but what time remains is vital. “The night is coming when no one can work,” Joh 9:4.
Take Up the Armor

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against principalities … against spiritual hosts of wickedness … Therefore take up the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day …” Eph 6:10–13
The above spiritual call to battle was part of the “whole counsel of God” which Paul had given to the believers of Ephesus. It is interesting that many believers actually use the above passage as an excuse not to prepare. Their rationale is that since we are fighting against spiritual powers, common sense practical preparations are unnecessary. They foolishly conclude that spiritual warfare precludes any physical preparation.
Their logic is similar to that which I have often heard through the years, that since, “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things … (1Ti 4:8), we can all be couch potatoes as long as we’re “spiritual.” To the contrary, God is interested in our whole person, and expects discipline and self-control in every area of life.
It was Edmund Burke who said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” In reality, he was simply re-stating the ancient dictum of Plato, who said, “The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” If believers in our time do not rouse themselves to fight on the spiritual battle-front, we may all find ourselves left with no other option than to fight on the physical front, or to pass on to our children and grandchildren the yoke of slavery we refused to break.
Watching and Working

“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2Ti 4:5

Paul’s charge to Timothy involved both watching and working. Vigilance and valor are required if the children of light are to have an impact on this present darkness. Since the illusion exists in the minds of so many that there is some kind of disconnect between the spiritual and physical, allow me to take the potential threats on our horizon and give counsel from God’s Word as to the biblical and spiritual response.
Increasing Tyranny

Anyone who cannot see the march toward tyranny among our political elites is simply blind. Nothing that I or anyone else can say will persuade such people. They will not recognize the problem until they find themselves in slavery. The poisonous atmosphere and corruption of this nation’s leadership is appalling. Most disturbing is that when exposed, no one is held to account.

A nation comes to freedom through faith. There is no other way! “Nations go from bondage to faith; from faith to courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to apathy, from apathy to dependence, and from dependence to bondage.” These words are attributed to the Scottish judge and advocate, Alexander Fraser Tytler. There is no question where America stands on this scale!
It is worth noting that the bridge from bondage to liberty is faith, which produces courage, which is the willingness to fight for freedom. Sometimes that fight is through an inspired statesman and spokesman such as Moses (Exodus 4–12). Often, it is the bold and unequivocal ministry of God’s Word by the prophet and teacher (Jer 1:5–10). Still, there are times when it falls to Spirit-led men and women who take up the fight in the physical arena, such as the judges of Israel. Whatever the arena, or the means, it is crucial that every believer have absolute certainty that they are being guided, empowered, and called to action by the Spirit of God.

Economic Collapse
One of the many judgments used by God upon a rebellious nation is the destruction of its economy. As is currently happening in America, this is a self-induced occurrence by the ignorance and arrogance of the nation’s leaders. America is past being broke, and only the smoke and mirrors of financial manipulation hide this fact from those who do not want to look reality in the face. Consider that America is now 17 trillion dollars in debt. Actually, when city, state, and pension debt is included, the bill is over 100 trillion dollars! How much is that? One trillion seconds ago, was 30,000 B.C.!
Very soon, the American dollar will be worthless, as more and more nations are entering into pacts to cease using the dollar as the world’s reserve currency. When the final collapse comes, it will be sudden, terrifying, and irreversible. The collapse of the dollar will bring with it severe shortages of food, fuel, and other necessities such as medical care and supplies.
What would you do if the grocery shelves are empty? The story of Joseph (Genesis 41) gives a good idea what to do beforehand. What if you find yourself living in a hostile environment, with the threat of violence all around? The story of Abraham (Gen 14:14) or of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4) might be instructive, as would the words of Jesus to His disciples (Luk 22:35–37), which plainly gave them the right of defense against attack. What would you use for currency when the dollar is worthless? It might be wise to take a lesson from Abraham, and have some silver on hand (Gen 13:2, Gen 23:16, Gen 24:35), along with other useful commodities. What will you do if medical treatment is not available? It might be a good idea to have the basics on hand, like the Good Samaritan, Luk 10:33–35.
I am not a prophet, neither am I a financial advisor. However, even a blind man, if his mind is sound, can see the disaster ahead for this country. I urge you, with all that is in me, do not delay. Take whatever steps are in your power, as the practical extension of your faith, to make wise preparation. Our time to prepare is very short.

Wars and Rumors of Wars
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled;
for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Mat 24:6
“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial
which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Rev 3:10
Both of these passages speak specifically to believers living in our time. The outline of the Matthew passage is very simple: things prior to the Tribulation (Mat 24:4–8), followed by the Tribulation and Great Tribulation, divided in the middle by the “abomination of desolation,” or entrance of Antichrist into the temple in Jerusalem (Mat 24:9–28), followed by the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Mat 24:29–31). The Rapture of the Church is not mentioned for the simple reason that the Church Age had not yet begun, and the mystery of the Rapture had not yet been revealed to Paul (1Th 4:13–18; Eph 3:1–7).
The Revelation passage is often misunderstood to hold the promise of the pre-Tribulational Rapture. This is not possible. If it were addressing the issue of the Rapture, then only faithful believers would be taken—as only those who keep the command to persevere are included in the promise. Since Paul clearly declares that all believers in Christ are included in the Rapture of the Church (1Th 4:15–18, 1Th 5:4–11) then we must take a different approach to the passage.
In reality, Rev 3:10 is addressing, prophetically at least (not discounting its message to first-century believers), the very same time that Jesus is speaking about in Mat 24:4–8. That is, the end of the Church Age, just prior to the Tribulation. It declares that “the hour of trial” will come upon the whole earth. We are witnessing the prelude to that “hour.” A recent article by Ian Johnston in The Independent of Britain, asked the question “Is it 1914 all over again?” In it, he quoted Professor Margaret MacMillan, of the University of Cambridge, on the eerie similarities between the year leading up to WWI and present world conditions. She specifically mentioned China’s growing ambitions to dominate the Pacific and the breakdown of the Middle East into tribal factions.
In all likelihood, we are witnessing the beginning moves of WWIII. I realize there are many believers who will reject this as fear-mongering. However, as a “watchman on the wall,” I must fulfill my responsibility to warn you—just the same. I do believe we are very near the coming of the Lord for His Church. I also believe that the time prior to His return is going to be “the hour of trial,” and that we need to prepare in every spiritual and practical way possible.
Both Russia and China are taking their cue from our spineless national leadership. From the Whitehouse to the State Department, to the Pentagon, the message is “we will talk, talk, talk, but we will not take serious action.” We have proved this with Iran, Libya, and Syria. As a result, Russia is moving in Eastern Europe, and China is making threatening moves in the Pacific. It is clear that they do not believe us, and no longer fear us. This will not bode well for America, either on the world stage or the home front. While America’s leadership has been distracted by such foolish scams as “global warming,” our enemies are focused on the existential questions of their nations. While our “Fed” prints worthless paper dollars, both India and China are buying up all the reserves of gold and silver they can get. Is it not alarming that both of them are ceasing to deal in American dollars?
I do not believe it is without significance that these actions have corresponded with the first of the four “blood moons.” I realize I will be called a “kook” for this, but I must fulfill my duty, and speak my mind honestly, as I am given light to do so. If I am wrong, I will answer to Him who called me into His service. I have become convinced that to do otherwise will surely be my failure as a watchman, and place me under the blood-guilt of one who sees the sword approaching, and fails to give the alarm. It is my conviction that we will see many, if not all, these things before the last blood moon arrives, in September of 2015. Believe me, I will be most happy if I am proven wrong!
The greatest security that any believer can have in time of historical crisis is to know that he or she is in step with the will of God, both what is declared in the Word of God, and that personal will revealed by the indwelling Spirit of God. The promise, “the just shall live by his faith” (Hab 2:4) was given to the prophet as he watched the approaching destruction of his nation, as the armies of Chaldea began to mobilize. Judah had foolishly relied on Babylon for security, and now the bill for their foolish unbelief came due.
“Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty.” Hab 2:7
This passage could be speaking directly to America, in our foolish willingness to become indebted to China. And the bill is about to come due! Five “woes” are proclaimed over Judah in the second chapter of Habakkuk. The word translated “woe” speaks of a wail for those who are dead. It was used by the prophets, and by Jesus Himself, to address those who were walking dead—about to fall under devastating judgment (Isa 5:11–30; Mat 23:1–36). It is a fitting lament for America today!

What to Do?
Not being a prophet, I do not know what is coming. What I have laid out above is merely the intersection of Scripture with common sense and the science of trajectory. If you look down the sights of a rifle, you know that the alignment of the front and back sight gives you the intended point of impact at a distance downrange. In between, the trajectory of the bullet follows an arc that leads to the target.
Taking incidents of recent history, as well as the course of our nation, and aligning them to look ahead, in the light of Scripture, is not too difficult. America is in grave peril! This does not mean things could not be changed, with sufficient numbers in the “remnant,” and a spiritual awakening across the land. Such things are possible, and like Abraham (Gen 18:16–33), I pray there may be enough righteous people in the land. Barring miraculous divine deliverance, however, this nation is going to drink the cup of the wrath of God.
I urge each one of you who read this post to “draw near to God, and He will draw near to you,” Jam 4:8. An extended passage from Peter is also fitting:
“He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the
Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers;
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1Pe 3:10–12

Faith with Feet
“By faith [they] subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens … of whom the world was not worthy.” Heb 11:33–38
The tenth chapter of Hebrews ends with a promise and a warning to the people of God:
“Now the just shall live by faith. But if [he] draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Heb 10:38
This passage was written three years before the fall of Jerusalem, in 70 A.D. You will notice one change in the quote above from the NKJV. In place of the word “anyone,” I have put the correct translation “he.” The third person singular of the word for “draws back” (hupostello) can only refer to “the just,” that is, the believer. In fact, it is the very word Paul uses to describe Peter’s hypocrisy in Gal 2:12. It consists of the act of spiritual compromise for the sake of personal gain or approval.
In light of such a great promise, and such a dire warning, it would be expected that someone might ask, “But how do we define the faith by which we are to live?” It would be a valid question, and one that the author of Hebrews anticipates. This is why he wrote chapter 11—to pictorialize faith in action. After a brief but all-encompassing definition (Heb 11:1), he portrays what faith looks like. From his depiction, I am forced to conclude that faith is not passive, nor is faith pacifistic. Faith boldly confronts real evil with real good, lived out in witness to the power of God to use frail instruments.
The definition of faith, however, does not end in chapter eleven. Not until “we see Jesus” in Heb 12:1–3 do we have the full and final and perfect standard of faith.
What the men and women of the eleventh chapter display in part, Jesus shows as the living embodiment of faith throughout His life and death on the cross. It is His standard, and no other, to which we are to strive, Phi 4:7–15. And it is the daily pursuit of this goal which is our greatest security in the coming “hour of trial.”
If you would like to research from a more astute and credible source as to where we are heading, I encourage you to read Twilight of Abundance, by David Archibald. His interweaving of the trends of our time with the words from The Revelation is masterful. In his words, if America does not change course—and quickly—life in the future will be “nasty, brutish, and short.” But, lest I leave you on a negative note, let me remind each of you that with the Lord, by faith, there is always hope. Recently, God has brought before me a precious promise. I trust it will give you the comfort that it has given me.
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” Nah 1:7
Just be sure that you put feet to your faith!
Out of weakness, made strong,
Gene

 



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