By Andrew Williams
Series: The Year of the Prophet- Month 6: The Watchman on the Wall
Week 25: Sounding the Alarm & Guarding the Gate
Anchor Scripture: “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel…’” — Hosea 3:1 (NKJV)
The Teaching
In the ecosystem of the Church, two offices must work in close coordination to ensure the safety of the Body: The Watchman (Prophet) and the Shepherd (Pastor). They have the same goal—the protection of the sheep—but they look at the field from two different vantage points.
The Watchman stands on the wall, looking out at the horizon to detect the enemy’s movement. He sees the “wolf” while it is still miles away. His nature is to be intense, vigilant, and “alarm-driven.” The Shepherd stands in the center of the field, looking down at the sheep. He sees their wounds, their hunger, and their immediate needs. His nature is to be nurturing, patient, and “care-driven.”
Conflict often arises because the Watchman thinks the Shepherd is “too soft” on the sheep, and the Shepherd thinks the Watchman is “too harsh” with his alarms. But they need each other. Without the Watchman, the Shepherd is blindsided by the wolf. Without the Shepherd, the Watchman would drive the sheep to exhaustion with his constant shouting. To protect the people, the “Voice of Warning” and the “Heart of Mercy” must be in constant dialogue.
Prophetic Insight
A Prophet who hates “Pastors” is a Watchman who has forgotten why he is on the wall. The wall exists to protect the Sheep, not to provide a platform for the Sentinel. If you are called to the prophetic office, you must learn to “translate” your warnings into a language the Shepherd can use to move the flock to safety. Instead of saying, “The Shepherd is compromised!” (which causes division), try saying, “Shepherd, I see a wolf approaching from the north. How can I help you gather the lambs?” When the Watchman and the Shepherd are in alignment, the “Sheepfold” becomes an impenetrable fortress. Honor the “mercy” of the Shepherd, and he will learn to value the “sight” of your Watch.
The Activation
Identify a “Shepherd” in your life (a pastor, a mentor, or a parent). Today, instead of critiquing their “softness,” perform an act of Supportive Watching. Ask the Holy Spirit: “Lord, what danger do I see that this Shepherd is too busy to notice? Show me how to report it to them with honor and love.” Pray for the Shepherd’s strength and ask God to make your two voices a “Harmonious Sound” (Day 213).
Daily Prayer: Lord God, I thank You for the different gifts You have set in Your Body. I ask for the grace to work in partnership with the Shepherds You have placed over Your flock. Forgive me for my ‘lone wolf’ attitude and for my lack of mercy. I choose today to be a faithful Watchman who serves the Shepherd. Let our combined efforts create a place of perfect safety for Your sheep. Bind our hearts together in love and Truth. Amen.
