So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

The unnamed watchman watched the horizon for messengers bringing news to King David, but we watch for something far greater. We are called to be watchmen watching for the return of our ultimate King, Jesus Christ. The unnamed watchman's faithful watching points us to our calling to live in faithful hope of Christ's second coming. His daily service shows us how to honor our King while we wait.

Just as the watchman could not predict which day would bring the important moment, we do not know when Christ will return. He had to be ready every single day with the same level of care and attention. We also must be ready every day because we do not know the day or hour of Christ's return. Our faithful service today prepares us for that amazing day when our King returns.

The unnamed watchman served not for earthly praise but because his job mattered to the king. In the same way, we serve not for people to notice us but because we want to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant" from our returning King. The watchman's story shows us the kind of faithful service that honors Christ and brings Him glory.

God positioned the unnamed watchman exactly where he needed to be for a crucial moment in King David's reign. God has also positioned each of us exactly where we need to be for the growth of Christ's kingdom until He returns. We are not just waiting around doing nothing. We are serving actively in the jobs and places God has given us.

Christ is coming for people who have been faithful in their assignments while watching and working until He appears. The watchman stayed at his post and did his job well even when nothing seemed to be happening. We must also stay faithful in our daily work and relationships while we wait for Jesus to return to earth. D.L. Moody understood this urgent call when he declared, "The return of our Lord is drawing near. Let us be found watching and waiting" (The Second Coming of Christ, 1877).

Godseekers, the gospel hope is that Christ will return to find His people faithfully serving where He has placed them. You may not know when Jesus is coming back, but you can be ready by serving Him well today. The unnamed watchman did not save the day, but his faithful watching paved the way for truth to reach the king when it mattered most.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to be a faithful watchman for Your return. Give me strength to serve You well in my daily assignments while I wait for You to come back. When I am tempted to grow tired or give up, remind me that You are coming soon. Help me to work faithfully in the position where You have placed me. May You find me serving You well when You return. In Your name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

• How would your daily service change if you truly believed Jesus could return at any moment?
• In what ways can you be more faithful in your current assignment while watching for Christ's return?

Step of Faith

Today, I will serve in my current role with the understanding that I am a watchman positioned by God to advance His kingdom until Christ returns.