Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: May 11, 2008
ELDERS AS WATCHMEN -- # 1
Ben Justice
Elders as watchmen is very much a Bible subject. In speaking of the responsibilities of
elders, the inspired Hebrews writer penned, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and
submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they
may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17).
To the Ephesian elders, Paul declared, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the
flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,
which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Elders had the responsibility
then and still have the responsibility today to take heed “to all the flock.” Inherent in
carrying out this discharge is obviously that of “watching” out for the flock. In the
subsequent verses, Paul informed them of false teachers who would invade the
congregation. Then, in v. 31, he charged them by saying, “Therefore watch, and remember,
that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears”
(Acts 20:31). Paul warned the Ephesian brethren of false teachers (Acts 20:20, 27, 29-30).
He did it often – “night and day.” He charged the elders to “watch” out for these
compromisers. Isn’t it obvious that the reason Paul commanded these elders to watch
was so that they in turn could warn others, namely the flock? Elders can’t possibly be true
watchmen without warning.
Peter wrote concerning elders, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the
oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind”
(I Pet. 5:2). When elders take the oversight, they will exercise their authority in watching
and warning the congregation.
The picture of elders being watchmen has its roots in the Old Testament. The English
word “watchman” or “watchmen” (plural) is found 29 times in the Old Testament. A study
of those individuals who occupied the role of a watchman reveals some very important and
significant truths; it’s these truths that elders can learn from today (cf. Rom. 15:4).
William Wilson in his Word Studies of the Old Testament listed 6 different Hebrew
words that have to do with watching or being a watchman. From a study of how these
words are employed throughout the Old Testament account, we can learn a great deal
concerning the responsibilities that watchman had. Let’s examine a few of these
references.
A watchman was usually positioned upon the wall of a city to see the surrounding
terrain. He had the responsibility to report what he saw (2 Sam. 18:24-27). In almost
every reference given, the idea of warning, crying, sounding, declaring, announcing and
other similar words are used to describe the responsibility that watchmen had. Note the
following references:
“And the watchman cried, and told the king. . . .” (2 Sam. 18:25).
“For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth”
(Isaiah 21:6).
“Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. . . .” (Jer. 6:
17).
“For there shall be a day, that the watchman upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, . . .” (Jer.
31:6).
“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the
city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
The prophets of God repeatedly condemned those watchmen for falling down on the job.
Isaiah declared, “His watchman are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs,
they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber” (Isaiah 56:10). What an apt
description of many elders in the church today. 2 Kings 17:5ff speaks of Israel being
carried away into Assyrian captivity. What were the reasons? The inspired record tells us
that “the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God” (2 Kings 17:7). They
“walked in the statutes of the heathen” (2 Kings 17:8). Now, note this: “And the children
of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God, and they
built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced
city” (2 Kings 17:9). The children of Israel engaged in idolatry in “the tower of the
watchmen.” What does this say about the watchmen? Even the watchmen of Israel were
corrupt. Today, we have corrupt elders in the church who are aping those watchmen of
old. Like in ancient times, there are faithful watchmen and there are unfaithful watchmen.
[will continue next week]
SALUTE TO MOTHERS
A gift from GOD
has been sent to thee
it's that awesome mother
who loves unconditionally
So appreciate her
on this and all days
for who else in this world
would put up with our ways
They are always there
spreading love and joy
holding in their heart
every girl and boy
I salute you moms
with a hug and a cheer
May you be blessed this day
and throughout the year.