THE WATCHES OF NIGHT.

 Long time ago, there used to be a heavy deployment of soldiers to guard kingdoms. These soldiers could watch for the enemies and blow trumpets whenever an enemy was detected. Depending on the level of trust, each guard was assigned hours to watch. These watch hours were grouped into four. The strongest men were assigned the deadliest hours. The soldiers who were dedicated to this kind of work were simply referred to as the night watchers, simply because they stayed awake to watch for the enemy. We will use this analogy to learn some lessons that can be applied in our daily life.

THE FIRST WATCH OF THE NIGHT. 

 This is the time when the sun has just set. Figuratively, the activities can still move on. The fears for the night is not much. In fact, there are a lot of people trying to conclude the day’s work before they get settled for the night.

At this point, relating it to faith, when storms start coming our way, the first effect we fill is just small wind passing away. We do not actually give a lot of attention. Though we receive the signal, we do not take it serious, we are still busy with our previous victories and happenings. We can still get prayer partners and the words to say in prayer. Actually, we can still recall our previous victories and thank God in some words. If someone owns a business that has been thriving, then one day he or she makes small loss, he may not put a lot of attention to it.

Because of ignorance the storm increases leading to the second watch. 

THE SECOND WATCH OF THE NIGHT. 

 This is the watch that runs from 9pm-midnight. Real Darkness starts to cover the face of the earth. Activities reduce. Many people are indoors. A storm that appears at this hour captures the attention. Few friends can still come to rescue, because not all people are asleep. This means we can still hold fast to God. We still have faith. Pastors can still pray for us. Actually, our friends still visit us in large numbers. We still have options on how to solve our issues. Doctors are giving us hope, and the economists are working hard to restore the economy.

Imagine being divorced after one has just lost a job. Well, it is a serious situation, but the victim can still pray to God. The victim can still call friends to pray, with the hope that they might get jobs, and that the marriage will be restored.

THE THIRD WATCH OF THE NIGHT.

 All people are asleep at this hour except the watchman, and the other guys are obviously the bad guys. Literally, it is from about 00:00 Hrs to 03:00 Hrs. At this point, one has to face the reality alone. All friends disappear. The pastors start dodging the victim’s presence. The religious place turns into a hell, instead of a haven. 

Some people in this situation get mental stress, leading to various diseases. Some actually contemplate suicide. Different people react differently, but none seem to get a desirable result from the reactions. 

Juda’s poverty caused him to start making deals. When he betrayed Jesus, he discovered that the worst storm had hit him. Repentance became harder than one can think. Ending his own life became a better solution for his mind to think.

Simon, also called Peter cried bitterly and was remorseful after denying Jesus. Simon was there when Jesus told the disciples that he would deny those who are ashamed of him. Simon was there when Jesus said anyone who loses his life for Jesus’s sake would find it. But Simon denied Jesus even though he had promised Jesus that even in death, he wouldn’t abandon Jesus. But when he discovered the loss he got himself into, he wept.

THE FOURTH WATCH OF THE NIGHT(DAWN). 3AM -6AM.

This watch is sometimes called zero hour. This means all hope is gone. The stars can be so bright, but not able to replace the sun. A lot of people at this point have nothing to lose. Any light becomes desirable. They have given up in life. 

Even though this might be a deadly end, the sun is near. Most people attacked at this point get a surprise redemption, or die while seeing the real light. 

George,a friend was involved in a road accident, doctors gave up on him, he was left in ICU to wait for his D day. After one and half years, he opened his eyes, he came out of the hospital and went back to his normal life.

 In conclusion, it Is very important that one gets prepared in life. A storm will surely come at us. It is possible that maybe you are already in one. Some storms are more deadly than others. The days are evil, and it is important that we get to be vigilant.

As Jesus forewarned, it is important to build on a firm foundation. When one is established on a rock, no range of storm is heavy enough to destroy his faith. This doesn’t mean no storm will come on those who built on a firm foundation, but that there is hope such.

One can look at Job. Though the tempest hit his possession and his children, his wife provoked him to sin, but he didn’t. When his wife left the scene, the friends came in to victimize him, but he was strong. This is not a fary tale. God helped him to not give into anything less. God can help one overcome this state. 

The song writer of “it is well with my soul” is another example outside the Bible. He lost everything, but God helped him to stay strong in his faith. 

Always remember, “If God does not watch over a city, they labor in vain that watch it”.

Further Reading: EXODUS14, ACTS27:13-44, MARK6:45-56.