For the Birds, An Introduction. “First this: God created the heavens and the earth – all you see, all you don’t see. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God’s Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss.” (Genesis 1:1-2, MSG). Since the fifth day of creation in Genesis 1:20, birds …
On Believers as Watchmen. “I will climb to the lookout tower and stand at my watchpost, scanning the horizon from my place of observation.” (Hab. 2:1). The Watchman. In the biblical era when there were walled cities, the citizens would always make sure there was a watchtower built onto the wall, at which would be …
On Angels as God’s Appointed Watchmen. “All night, all day, angels watching over me, my Lord. All night, all day, angels watching over me. Now I lay me down to sleep, angels watching over me My Lord. Pray the Lord my soul to keep, angels watching over me.” (African American Spiritual). The Watchman. In the …
On God as the Ultimate Watchman. “Unless the Lord Yahweh watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” (Ps. 127:1). The Watchman. In the biblical era when there were walled cities, the citizens would always make sure there was a watchtower built onto the wall, at which would be posted a watchman. This person would …
The Waiting Watchman. “I will climb to the lookout tower and stand at my watchpost, scanning the horizon from my place of observation. I will watch and wait to see what God says in response to my complaints, and what answer I will give when I am rebuked.” (Hab. 2:1). The Watchman. In the biblical era …
On the Prophets as Watchmen. “The prophet, along with my God, is the watchman over Ephraim.” (Hosea 9:8). The Lookout. The Hebrew word for watchman was “mishmereth,” which means one who looks out in order to protect, to guard, to keep safe. The good watchman needed to have particular abilities: the mental discipline to be …
The Night Watch. “Behold, bless the Lord, all you His servants of the Lord, Who by night stand in the House of the Lord! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord! The Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion!” (Psalm 134). Night was an important time for …
Keeping the Watch. “I will climb to the lookout tower and stand at my watchpost, scanning the horizon from my place of observation.” (Hab. 2:1). The Watchman. In the biblical era when there were walled cities, the citizens would always make sure there was a watchtower built onto the wall, at which would be posted …
Hidden Truths, God’s Secrets, Holy Mysteries. “A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and as stewards of the mysteries of God. Think of us as Messiah’s official underlings who are entrusted with the mysteries of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:1). MYSTERY: (Greek, “mysterion”); a sacred secret hidden in the heart of God until the appointed …
Hiddenness: the ‘Discipline of Obscurity.’ “Learn to be unknown.’ (Thomas A’ Kempis, Imitation of Christ). Theology professor Dr. Ellen Davis wrote about how a believer who desires to be used of God must be concealed before ministry can begin. She reflected on Isaiah 49:2, in which the sharp sword of the mouth was first hidden …
Hiding the Truth from the Brilliant Unteachables. “In that same hour, Jesus rejoiced greatly (“agalliao”) in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have concealed these things relating to salvation from the wise and learned, and revealed them to babes (“nepiois”). Yes, Father, for such was Your gracious …
Hiding God’s Word in the Heart. “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Ps. 119:11). This classic passage about memorizing Scripture reflects how central it was in Jewish culture to memorize Torah. The heart, remember, was considered the innermost part of a person’s whole being, including feelings, …