PRÉCIS ON SETTING UP FOR WAR IN ORDER TO KEEP THE PEACE

SCRIPTURE. “But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.” – NEHEMIAH 4:9, AMP

KEY TERM: “SET UP A GUARD.” ‘Mishmar’ [מִשְׁמָ֧ר]: “A guard post of diligence; a careful watch.” NOTE: “The word מִשְׁמָר appears in various contexts within the Hebrew Bible, often relating to: ‘The act of Guarding or Keeping Watch. It can refer to a physical guard or Watchman, a place of confinement, or the act of keeping something safe.’ It is used in both literal and figurative senses.”

QUOTATION. “War must be, while we defend our lives against a Destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they Defend.” ― J.R.R. TOKLKIEN, The Two Towers, 1954; edited

COMMENTARY. “‘The hindering of Good Work is what Bad Men aim at, and promise themselves success in; but Good Work is God’s Work, and it shall prosper.’ God has many ways of bringing to Light, and so of bringing to Nought, the devices and designs of His Church’s Enemies. If our Enemies cannot frighten us from duty, or deceive us into sin, they cannot hurt us!

‘Nehemiah put himself and his cause under the Divine Protection.’ It was the way of this good man, and should be our way. All his cares, all his griefs, all his fears, he spread before God. ‘Before he used any means, he made his Prayer to God. Having prayed, he Set a Watch against the Enemy.’ If we think to secure ourselves by prayer, without watchfulness, we are slothful, and tempt God; if by watchfulness, without prayer, we are proud, and slight God: Either way, we forfeit His Protection. God’s Care of our Safety, should engage and encourage us to go on with vigour in our duty. As soon as a Danger is over, let us Return to our work, and trust God another time.” – MATTHEW HENRY, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, 1708-1710; edited

DK. I have said it before and reiterate it here: The American Church has chosen to Stand Silent under the dark shadow of Donald Trump’s treachery of all that we hold dear as Christian citizens. They shall not awaken, this after ten stormy years of God’s Shouts for them to do so.

But that does not mean you have to follow suit. No! Therefore: Set your own Prayer Watch against the vast hordes of those who have chosen Death, and do not depart from it till He Comes.

For the Words of our King are clear to His Remnant:

“But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming]…Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness).” – LUKE 2:36, REVELATION 22:12, AMP

Soon now, beloved, very soon indeed. Stand Your Watch, therefore, and Be at Full Ready. Though we know not the exact Hour, we do know ‘He is even now at The Door!’