Wisdom's Corner
The Running Watchmen

In ancient Palestine, vineyards were very important to the people. A great deal of food was grown in these vineyards, particularly the grape. The vineyards were many times planted not only in the valleys but up the sides of the mountains. Terraces were built on the side of the mountains so that the grapes could be planted.

Watchmen were appointed to stand guard over these vineyards. The watchmen would be stationed high up on the sides of the mountains. The watchmen always stood on an outcropping of rock. By standing, they were always awake and able to be attentive to see if anyone came near the vineyard. The watchmen would be positioned so that one could see all the way to the point where another one could see. Many times the watchmen might not be able to see each other but they knew that they could communicate.

If a watchman saw someone enter the valley and come close to the vineyard he would begin to call out. Another watchman would hear the call and call out also. Before a few minutes could go by, the entire valley would be filled with the calling of alarm by the watchmen.

The watchman closest to the strange intruder would leave his post and run to meet the stranger. If the watchman observed that the stranger meant no harm he greeted the stranger with a large cluster of grapes and kind words. He would then accompany the stranger through the valley with words of kindness and peace.

In Isaiah 52:7, we read, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" This verse is referred to in Romans 10:15. There we learn that the beautiful feet are the feet of those who preach the gospel of Christ.

Each one of us is to tell others about Christ and the gospel. All of us are to be watchmen of the vineyard, the church. When we see others approaching we are to run to them and give them the spiritual food of the vineyard. We are to greet them with kind words and tell them of salvation. And then we are to accompany them as they make their journey through the valley of this life toward the goal of heaven.

Keep reading your Bible. Study the Word of God. Learn what you need to know to become a watchman who runs to meet others with the gospel. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Mark McWhorter

Copyright 2002

Published by The Old Paths Bible School
(http://www.oldpaths.org)