“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our
faith…” (Hebrews 12: 2).

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear
the word I speak and give them warning from me…The watchman replies,
‘Morning is coming, but also the night’…” (Ezekiel 3:17; Isaiah 21:12NIV).

In ancient times, watchmen played a vital role in guarding their cities or
communities. Their main task was to survey the horizon constantly. So, as it
were, watchmen were equivalent to modern advanced radar warning systems.

The watchman had to signal that people were approaching the city gates,
identify whether they were friends or foes, and sound the alarm accordingly.
So, the safety and security of the entire city depended solely on the watch
men. Therefore, being a watchman entailed responsibility and accountability.

In the Old Testament, God appointed holy prophets as the guardians of
His people. And Ezekiel was one of God’s prophets, whose duty was to warn
the ancient people of Israel and to exhort the straying nation to return to God.

God simply told Ezekiel to warn His people. Those who would not heed
the warning would suffer the consequences for their choices, but the prophet
would not be held responsible. On the other hand, if Ezekiel had failed to
warn the people and they had perished, God would hold Ezekiel accountable.

In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit reinforces the prophetic office. For,
God has graciously given the Bible—His written Word to everyone, for the
purpose of revealing His plans and purposes. But that does not mean that
Christians are lone rangers! Instead, they need to be led by the Spirit of God.

Sadly, most Christian pastors and lay people disregard biblical prophecy.
Whatever the reason, ignoring Christian eschatology is a great loss! For, the
apostle Paul wrote: “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies
with contempt” (1The.5:19). Moreover, the apostle John wrote: “Blessed is
the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who
hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near”
(Revelation 1:3). And, near the end of his prophetic book, John wrote:
“Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:5).

A generation ago, there was a great interest among many Bible believing
churches about the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. During those gone by
years, the enthusiasm was contagious! Witnessing was sincere, and love was
fervent. But unfortunately, some Christians misused biblical prophecy, for
the purpose of making money. Some writers even set up specific dates for the
Lord’s return. But when the false predictions failed, many were disappointed.

Perhaps, that is the reason why today most pastors no longer preach on the
Second Coming. But regardless of what the reasons might be, eschatology is
just as important as theology, soteriology, etc.! For, the Lord is returning!

In the Old Testament chronicles, one reads, “[And the] men of Issachar
who understood the times, knew what Israel should do” (2Chr.12:32). In the
New Testament, the Lord Jesus Christ admonished His disciples repeatedly
to watch constantly for the signs of the end times—His second coming (cf.
Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35-37; Lu. 21:34-36). So, are we watching?

Christians who are familiar with Bible prophecy and possess spiritual
discernment, know that this present world crisis is unique. Wars and rumors
of war are increasing constantly. Radical geopolitical changes and social un
rests are unprecedented. The prospects for peace have vanished. The world is
on the brink of self-destruction. It is a world already for the ruthless dictator!

Those who understand, know, and yes, who love God, love their neighbors
too! As dutiful watchmen, they warn people about the dangers, knowing that
the Lord Jesus’ promised return to receive the Church—His Bride, is at hand.

The apostle Peter warned: “First of all, you must understand that in the
last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their evil desires. They
will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?’ Ever since our fathers died,
everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation” (2Peter 3:3-4).

For those who are willing to accept it, biblical prophecy delineates God’s
judgment in three specific spheres: the Church, Israel, and lastly, the world.
The Church fell under God’s judgment thirty years ago. The world received a
warning before Israel on 9/11, and the judgment on Israel began on 7/10/23.

I write this with tears in my eyes, because many people avoid knowing the
truth. However, the Word of God is settled in heaven. What is written shall
be fulfilled. So, as a Christian watchman, my duty is to warn people caringly.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023, almost the entire world has
turned against the state of Israel. Presently, the Jewish state is isolated. In
addition, the far-right political parties are doing everything in their power to
usher in their long-waited Messiah. So, the moment the Church is removed, a
master of intrigue will appear on the political scene. He will have the ideal
political solution for the Arab world and Israel, and will gradually ascend to
the global dictatorship. In light of these events, Christ’s return is imminent.

According to the Lord’s predictions, only a remnant of the Church will be
rescued. That is, born again Jews and Gentiles who stand firm until the end.
The watchman says, “Morning is coming, but also the night.” So, watch out!

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