"The watchman called out to the king and reported it. The king said, 'If he is alone, he must have good news.' And the runner came closer and closer. Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, 'Look, another man running alone!' The king said, 'He must be bringing good news, too.'"

2 Samuel 18:25-26

The unnamed watchman faced a choice: speak only what he saw or add what he hoped. Crisis creates pressure to give people the news they want to hear. But this faithful servant stuck to the facts. First runner, then second runner. No guessing, no softening, no false promises.

Accurate reporting during crisis is a rare gift because most people panic or pretend. Some exaggerate danger to get attention. Others minimize problems to avoid conflict. The watchman did neither. He simply told King David what his eyes observed, trusting the king to handle the truth wisely.

The king's response shows why faithful reporting matters so much. King David trusted the watchman's words because he knew they were always honest. When crisis hits, leaders need people who tell the truth without drama. The watchman's reputation for accuracy gave his words instant credibility.

This unnamed servant understood that his job was seeing, not interpreting. He could have speculated about what the runners meant. He could have tried to prepare King David emotionally. Instead, he focused on faithful observation and clear communication. His restraint served everyone better than his opinions would have.

The Hebrew word for "reported" means to declare or announce publicly. The watchman didn't whisper or hesitate. He called out boldly because accurate information deserved confident delivery. Truth spoken clearly helps leaders make good decisions. Mumbled facts help no one.

Godseekers, God places some of you in positions where accurate reporting protects others. Parents need honest feedback about their children. Pastors need truthful information about their churches. Leaders need faithful people who speak facts without fear. The unnamed watchman didn't save the day, but his honest reporting paved the way for wise leadership.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me be a person others can trust for honest information. When crisis comes, give me courage to speak truth clearly without adding my own fears or hopes. Teach me to observe carefully and report faithfully. Let my words be accurate, helpful, and spoken with love. Make me someone leaders can depend on for truthful feedback. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

• How do you handle the pressure to tell people what they want to hear instead of what they need to know?
• In what areas of your life could more accurate reporting serve others better?

Step of Faith

Today, I will practice faithful reporting by giving honest, helpful feedback to someone who needs to hear the truth from me.