11.) Watchman, what of the night?

This morning when I began my prayer and study time, I opened the Bible to search for a topic which would bring inspiration for the day. I looked down at the page where my Bible had opened and began to read:

“This is what the Lord says to me: ‘Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the pomp of Kedar will come to an end.’” Isa. 21:16.

I felt an urgency come over me that indicated that God’s Spirit was bringing this text to my attention, so I continued to read the EGW quotations which I had written in the margins on that page.

“A great crisis awaits the people of God. A crisis awaits the world. The most momentous struggle of the ages is just before us. . . . But are we ready for the issue? Have we faithfully discharged the duty which God has committed to us of giving the people warning of the danger before them?” 5 T 711. (Emphasis supplied.)

“The perils of the last days are upon us, and we are to warn the people of the danger they are in. . . .If our people realized the nearness of the events portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the message. We have no time to lose. God calls upon us to watch for souls as they that must give an account.” TM 118. (Emphasis supplied.)

I have studied this chapter in Isaiah many times, and have been impressed with the importance of being a watchman, especially in the end times. For example:

“’Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; every night I stay at my post. Look, here comes a man in a chariot with a team of horses. And he gives back the answer: ‘Babylon has fallen, has fallen!’ . . .Someone calls to me from Seir, ‘Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?’ The watchman replies, ‘Morning is coming, but also the night.” Isa. 21:8-12. (Emphasis supplied.)

Although these messages had a local application in Isaiah’s day, this text obviously has an application to last day events, for we find it in the second angel’s message, and also in the final call to mankind, just before the close of probation and the pouring out of the seven last plagues:

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.” Rev. 14:8.

“After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. With a mighty voice he shouted: ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries’. . . .

“Then I heard another voice from heaven say: ‘Come out of her, my people, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.’” Rev. 18:1-5. (Emphases supplied.)

It is clear from these texts that even though God bears long with sin and sinners, there comes a time when God sees that the hearts of men have become irrevocably evil, and there is no more that can be done to save the wicked. As a result, demons have completely possessed those who have resisted the Spirit of God until there is no more hope for their salvation. Surely we can see that such a condition of society exists in our world today. Because these texts apply to those who live in the very end of time, it is a message that should arouse us to awake and sound the warning that the end is near.

“The watchmen have their specific work to discern the approach of danger and sound the note of warning.” TM 236.

“It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so near to God, and to be so susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit, that He can work through them to tell men and women of their peril.” AA 361. (Emphasis supplied.)

“The watchmen will need to live very near to God, to hear His word and be impressed with His Spirit, that the people may not look to them in vain.” 4 T 403. (Emphasis supplied.)

“They [the watchmen] must have that sincere devotion to God that will lead them to see as God sees and take the words of warning from Him and sound the alarm to those who are in peril. The Lord will not hide His truth from the faithful watchmen. Those who will do the will of God shall know of His doctrine. ‘The wise shall understand,’ but ‘the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand.’” 4 T 527. (Emphasis supplied.)

God’s servants are “not to expose themselves unnecessarily to persecution. . . .But whatever the danger, Christ’s followers must avow their principles. They should scorn concealment. They cannot remain uncommitted until assured of safety in confessing the truth. They are set as watchmen, to warn men of their peril. The truth received from Christ must be imparted to all, freely and openly. Jesus said, ‘What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in the light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.’” DA 355. (Emphases supplied.)

“If ever God’s watchmen needed to be on their guard, it is now. . . .The trumpet must give a certain sound. There will be a general proclamation of truth. The whole earth will be lightened with the glory of God, but those only will recognize the light who have sought to know the difference between holiness and sin.” UL 365. (Emphasis supplied.)

“Unless we understand the importance of the moments that are swiftly passing into eternity, and make ready to stand in the great day of God, we shall be unfaithful stewards. The watchman is to know the time of night.” 6 T 407. (Emphasis supplied.)

“Those who place themselves under God’s control, to be led and guided by Him, will catch the steady tread of events ordained by Him to take place.” 7 T 14. (Emphasis supplied.)

“The Lord God of Heaven will not send upon the world His judgments for disobedience and transgression until He has sent His watchmen to give the warning. He will not close up the period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly proclaimed. . . .The message of Christ’s righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel.” 6 T 19. (Emphasis supplied.)

Now I want to go back to my original text from Isaiah 21:16 – “Within one year . . . all the pomp of Kedar will come to an end.” According to the SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, there was an actual fulfillment of this prophecy in Isaiah’s day. But as I have said in previous writings, I believe that since the whole Bible was written for the last generation, all the prophecies will have an end-time meaning and/or fulfillment. (See 3 SM 338, 339.)

“In the great final conflict, Satan will employ the same policy, manifest the same spirit of work for the same end, as in all preceding ages. That which has been will be, except that the coming struggle will be marked with a terrible intensity such as the world has never witnessed.” GC 11 (Introduction). (Emphasis supplied.)

“All these records of the past are seen to have a new significance; and through them a light is cast upon the future, illuminating the pathway of those who, like the reformers of past ages, will be called, even at the peril of all earthly good, to witness for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” GC 12 (Introduction).

We are certainly entering into such a time right now, as anyone can see as we look around us at the world situation. So whatever light we can receive from God’s holy word which will help us understand our times, we can receive with thankful hearts.

So what can we glean from our text in Isaiah 21:16? The first question to answer is, Who or what is Kedar? In checking the margin, I found that Kedar was one of the sons of Ishmael (Gen. 25:13). Going further in my study, I looked up the meaning in the SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, pp. 188, 189:

“Kedar seems to be a general term for nomadic people of the Arabian Desert (Ps. 120:5; Isa. 42:11; Jer. 2:10). Isaiah proclaims an extensive judgment to fall within a year upon all the desert region of northern Arabia.” (Emphasis supplied.)

The text states that within a year, all the pomp of Kedar will come to an end. Since I believe that the final demise of the Muslim power will take place at the end of time at the battle of Armageddon, I saw no way for an actual year to be significant. Then I noticed this statement in the commentary: “The dead sea scroll 1QIsa reads ‘3 years.’” Ibid. p. 188. “Lord,” I prayed, “could it be that this will take place in approximately three years from now?” I felt that the impression from the Holy Spirit was affirmative. If this is so, it will coincide with other end-time prophecies which I have outlined in my article, “The 1260, 1290, and 1335,” which can be accessed on my website, www.endtimemessagesfromthesanctuary.com.

Dear Friends, I am not attempting to set a date for the second coming of Jesus, but only to be wise and aware of the times in which we are living. We are already seeing that the drama of the ages is shaping up. I believe that history will culminate in a spiritual battle which will also include a literal battle between the nations of earth. Notice the implications of this dual battle in Daniel 11:40, 45:

“At the time of the end”. . . .he [v. 40 – the king of the North] “will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end and no one will help him.” NIV.

“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain;* yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” KJV. [*mg. – “Heb. – mountain of delight of holiness.”]

There are some interesting texts in Ezekiel 38 and 39 that sound as though they could be prophecies of God’s dealing with the nations of earth when they assemble for the final battle of Armageddon:

“This is what the sovereign Lord says: . . .You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you . . . a great horde, a mighty army. You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, O Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. . . .This is what will happen in that day; When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. . . .All the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. . . .*Every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. . . .

“I am against you, O Gog. . . .I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel. Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand. On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. . . .I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the Lord.” Eze. 38:14-39:6. (Emphasis supplied.)

(*Notice God’s accurate prophecy about Ishmael: “He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” Gen. 16:12.)

In general, Seventh-day Adventists have seen these verses to be a description of events yet future. But the closer we get to the final events of earth’s history, the more we should be able to discern the meaning and significance of the things that are taking place around us, and see them as signposts and warnings of what is just ahead.

“Prophecies respecting a future glory of Israel and Jerusalem were primarily conditional on obedience (see Jer. 18:7-10; PK 704). . . .However, this does not necessarily imply that these prophecies have no further significance. . . .These ancient forecasts, which would have met glorious fulfillment in the literal seed, will ultimately be accomplished in the spiritual seed. “4 BC 703.

I believe the primary fulfillment of these prophecies will come to pass at the culmination of history during the battle of Armageddon, when the nations of earth are engaged in warfare. At that time, God will intervene with the seven last plagues and the destruction of the earth which accompanies the events of His coming.

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. . . .The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. . . .He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written; KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. . . .

“Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet. . . .The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” Rev. 19:11-20.

“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East. Then I saw three evil spirits that . . . came out of the mouth of the dragon . . . the beast and . . . the false prophet. They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty. . . .

“Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

“The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ Then there came flashed of lightening, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of His wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.” Rev. 16:12-21.

But there is also a secondary and final fulfillment of these prophecies at the end of the thousand years spoken of in Revelation 20:1-10. Here we see that the devil and his angels will be in isolation for a thousand years, until Jesus and His bride, the holy city, the New Jerusalem, now inhabited by the saints of all ages, descend to earth in preparation for the cleansing of the earth by fire. At that time the wicked are raised for their final judgment and destruction. A little time is given them to give a final display of their characters, and led by Satan, they march upon the city to take it by force. Then fire comes down from heaven and consumes them all, thus ending forever the great battle between good and evil.

“When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city He loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.” Rev. 20:7-9.

Can you imagine the rejoicing of Christ and His faithful ones when the controversy is over? But before that can happen, Jesus must have a group of people who will give the warning to those who are alive on the earth right now! How many people really realize the nearness of the end and the calamities that are about to fall upon the world and its inhabitants? One thing is certain: if we do not follow Jesus through all the things He is doing right now to prepare a people for His coming, we will not be able to get ready at the last minute. Those who will go all the way through will have cooperated with Him now, no matter what the cost.

“They [the beast and her prostitute daughters] will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.” Rev. 17:14. (Emphasis supplied.)

“Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads. . . .And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.” Rev. 14:1-5. (Emphasis supplied.)

And that brings me back to the important subject of being watchmen. Do we think we can be among the 144,000 if we are imbibing in the doctrines, teachings and music of Babylon and her daughters? Do you think we can be among the chosen ones if we are afraid to take a stand on the imminence of Christ’s return and participate in helping others to be ready for that day? God help us to work with the angels in giving the warning to those who need to know what is coming upon the world.

“A terrible contest is before us. We are nearing the battle of the great day of God Almighty. That which has been held in control is to be let loose. The angel of mercy is folding its wings, preparing to step down from the golden throne and leave the world to the control of Satan, the king it has chosen, a murderer and a destroyer from the beginning.” TD 308.

“There are many who do not understand the prophesies relating to these days, and they must be enlightened. It is the duty of the watchmen and laymen to give the trumpet a certain sound. Be in earnest, ‘cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Ev 494, 495.

“A storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it? . . .The perils of the last days are soon to come upon us. Already they have come. We need now the sword of the Lord to cut to the very soul and marrow of fleshly lusts, appetites, and passions. . . .The thoughts must be centered upon God. Now is the time to put forth earnest effort to overcome the natural tendencies of the carnal heart.

“Our efforts, our self-denial, our perseverance, must be proportionate to the infinite value of the object of which we are in pursuit. Only by overcoming as Christ overcame shall we win the crown of life.” 8 T 315. (Emphasis supplied.)

“Everything in the world is in an unsettled state. The nations are angry, and great preparations for war are being made. Nation is plotting against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. The great day of God is hasting greatly. But although the nations are mustering their forces for war and bloodshed, the command to the angels is still in force, that they hold the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads.” 7 BC 968.

“I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues.” EW 36.

“Angels are now restraining the winds of strife, that they may not blow until the world shall be warned of its coming doom; but a storm is gathering , ready to burst upon the earth; and when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture.”               Ed 179, 180.

“The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on whose vesture is written the name, King if kings, and Lord of lords, is soon to lead forth the armies of heaven.” 6 T 406.

“In the last scenes of this earth’s history, war will rage. The powers of evil will not give up the conflict without a struggle. But Providence has a part to act in the battle of Armageddon. The Captain of the Lord’s host will stand at the head of the angels of heaven to direct the battle.” Maranatha 297.

“Only a moment of time, as it were, yet remains. But while already nation is rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, there is not now a general engagement. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealed in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the last great battle.” 6 T 14.

“Just before we entered it [the time of trouble] we all received the seal of the living God. Then I saw the four angels cease to hold the four winds. And I saw famine, pestilence, and sword, nation rose against nation, and the whole world was in confusion.” 7 BC 968.

“Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. . . .All who have not the spirit of truth will be united under the leadership of Satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under control until the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon.

“Angels are belting the world refusing Satan his claims to supremacy. . . .keeping the armies of Satan at bay ‘till the sealing of God’s people shall be accomplished. . . .

“The Lord is a refuge for all who put their trust in Him. He bids them hide in Him for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. He is soon to come out of His place to punish the world for its iniquity.” 4 BC 967.

I have included all these quotations from the pen of Ellen White for use in your personal study, or for sharing with others. But even more importantly, I want to alert everyone that we are on the verge of the close of probation, and there is no time to lose in our personal preparation and also for sharing with others who may not realize where we are in time. Our efforts now should be to prepare ourselves and our loved ones and friends for what is just ahead—not by running to the hills to entrench ourselves from society in physical preparation (although that is an important consideration to be made with prayer), but to make sure that our relationship with Jesus is secure, and that we are willing to be used by Him to give the warning to others, wherever that may lead us. May the Lord give us strength and determination to continue our walk with Jesus until the work is done and we can go home with Him!