In this episode, Matthew gives a short teaching on Isaiah 62, and what the Bible promises about the prayer, worship, and missions that will explode before Jesus returns.
The Presence Pioneers podcast exists to help YOU and your community experience and host the presence of God through day & night worship & prayer – because we believe God’s presence changes everything. Hosted by Matthew Lilley, episodes feature short Bible teachings and interviews with key leaders in the prayer & worship movement.
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In verse 6 of Isaiah 62, the term "watchmen on the walls" is used - who are these watchmen? In a practical sense, watchmen were the ones posted on the walls of the city, keeping guard all the time. Isaiah uses this image to compare to intercessors - those who "keep guard" day and night. When Jesus was in the garden, He asks His friends to "watch and pray" (Mark 14:38). In Ephesians 6, when talking about prayer, the term "watchful to the end" is used. Peter uses it also, saying to be "watchful in prayer" - basically, Jesus' return should keep us on alert.
So there's a sense of not just praying, but being alert, listening, and discerning. The watchmen stay focused and pay attention to what's going on.
Right now, there is an unprecedented prayer movement exploding in the earth. This is what Isaiah was prophesying! This is what has to happen before Jesus returns. The watchmen will be on the wall and waiting.
God is the one who sets these watchmen on the wall, according to this verse in Isaiah. And since it's meant to be 24/7, that means you can't be a watchman all by yourself! So God is setting people into communities and families who will watch together.
How does He bring us into this? Matthew looks at verse 5 here. Right before the idea of watchmen is introduced, the idea of God as our bridegroom is introduced. He's drawing us into intimacy first, out of His unbelievable love for us. And when we draw close to Him, we can't ignore what's in His heart, what His plans are for the earth. These watchmen are those who have partnered with Jesus in this way.
So these intercessors are not angry, but full of joy. They are set in families who are running after Jesus just because He's good and they love Him. And the invitation is open to all of us! It will look different for different people, but God is drawing us all. Then, you can look at passages like Isaiah 62 and see yourself in this prophecy coming alive!
