by Joyce Sibthorpe
Are you “watching” over “your patch”? In Mark 13:32-36 Jesus uses such words as “Be on guard!” “Be alert!” “Keep watch” “Watch!” As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of the story of how Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and positioned guards on duty outside their houses, working with swords in one hand and trowels in the other! Nehemiah 4:17-18 says, “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at this side as he worked.”
Everyone was involved – goldsmiths, perfumers, local mayors as well as Levites and temple servants. Residents of Jerusalem were appointed as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.
It is our job to watch our patch, our family, our dwelling, city, land, nation. Watching has an active sense of being on the offensive – looking out for trouble in order to avert it – taking the initiative – listening with intent.
Proverbs 1:33 says, “…but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Remember the words of Jesus, “You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break in. Be vigilant just like that!” Matthew 24:43 (The Message)
It is your job to be vigilant over your patch, other will support you, agree with you in prayer – help you – but it’s not my job to protect you patch – it’s yours!
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