There have been times when I had so much that I wanted to share with you. I would be bursting at the seams to drop knowledge and information into your lap that I was certain would be beneficial and helpful in understanding the Bible and how it was laid out. But until recently, it was as if Holy Spirit would shut me down cold and that small, still voice in my spirit would say, “Just wait.”
It was frustrating at times, even maddening. Why wait? Why not now? Foolish watchman that I am, I didn’t realize that I wasn’t even remotely in charge. But I was obedient to that small, still voice and I am forever thankful now, in the present, that I was. Some of the discoveries that I’ve made over the last four years have rocked my world as new levels of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom were opened before my eyes. Do not misinterpret what I’m saying. I do not count myself as wise. However, I am wiser than I was in realizing that now I can see and attest to how much I still don’t know and as to how much I have yet to learn.
Learning, in and of itself is no big deal. Anyone can learn if they are dedicated and put forth the effort. Learning brings about knowledge. Knowledge brings about understanding and understanding brings about wisdom. Acquiring knowledge is important and acquiring understanding and wisdom are spoken of many times in the Book of Proverbs. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge and understanding.
I have great zeal and passion for God and the study of the Holy Bible. I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned. But Proverbs 19:2 has to come into play. “
“Zeal without knowledge is not good, Or to act hastily and miss the way.”
There is something to be said for zeal and passion. However, mere passion and zeal are dangerous in the hands of one who has not taken the time to acquire knowledge. Acquiring that knowledge requires the expenditure of time and effort. On the other hand, it can be said that acquiring knowledge for the mere sake of having knowledge without the passion or zeal to use it is not beneficial to anyone including the one having the knowledge. Where is the middle ground?
I know of several people who were miraculously, marvelously, and radically saved. They were delivered from all kinds of bondages of immoral living. The first thing that they want to do is to go and tell others about Jesus and the hell hole He delivered them from. What’s more, they will do it full time if they have to beg for the crumbs from the tables of others to feed themselves and provide for the needs of those whom they minister to. Good for them! Amen! Hallelujah! Pass the biscuits! Here’s the problem.
They feel like they are being held back and if the truth were told, they probably are being held back by their own doing. It’s frustrating. I know, I’ve been there. They lack knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. To add to that deficit, they are impatient as well.
Now, there is NOTHING wrong with sharing your testimony about how Jesus saved you. I applaud their efforts and offer encouragement not only to them but everyone else. However, I’d remind them that Jesus was thirty years old before His ministry began and He was God. Paul spent a great deal of time getting his theology and doctrine worked out. I’d remind them as well that Jesus was a carpenter and Paul was a “bi-vocational” tent maker at times.
I know that I wasted almost fifteen years wanting to be a pastor or a preacher. Those attempts were met with frustrating failures. It took me a long time to realize that how I wanted God to use me and how God wanted to use me were two different things. I’m not a preacher. I’m a watchman. When I came to that realization, I didn’t even know that a watchman existed. I spent four more years learning what a watchman was and what his responsibilities were.
That brings me to the main premise of this article. There is a time to speak and a time to remain silent. For the last four years I have been chomping at the bit wanting to address many issues that I see Christians facing and falling prey to. It needed to be addressed. It still needs to be addressed! For four years I have filled notebooks with notes about topics and issues that Holy Spirit has led me to biblical explanations regarding those topics and issues. But still, He wouldn’t let me speak. It was frustrating! The truth was that I wasn’t prepared to the extent that I could or should speak. I thought I was, but I was not.
I didn’t have the knowledge base or the understanding or the wisdom. I didn’t have the faith, the strength, the endurance, or the resolve to face the heat when it comes. The heat is coming. When you take a stand for God and the uncompromised gospel the heat will come. I stand prepared. What will I speak? I’ll speak the truth, in love, without compromise. When will I speak? When Holy Spirit gives me liberty and license to speak.
My passion and zeal is the same as I spoke of earlier, but I’ve learned to be patient and not run ahead of God. And, unlike many others in the Christian arena, I’m not concerned about how many or who will read these articles, watch the video content, or listen to the podcast. My concern is the obedience to the mandate I received from Holy Spirit. When Holy Spirit tells me to remain silent, I will be silent. When Holy Spirit tells me to speak, I will speak what He gives me to speak.
The purpose of this whole undertaking is to share knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. But more so than that, the purpose is to direct you into the pages of the Holy Bible to learn for yourself. If nothing else, I hope and pray that you go to your Bible to see for yourself whether I’m telling you the truth. That would suit me just fine.
I’m not interested in acquiring a large number of followers. I’m not interested in being popular or acquiring any celebrity status. God has blessed Cheryl and me with what we need to fund this website and the technology to maintain it. God has blessed us with the tools we need to produce the video content as well as the podcast. It’s all funded out our own pocket for your benefit.
To speak or not to speak? That is the question. The answer is this. The time to speak is now and speak I shall. Like it or not, I’ll tell you the truth and back it up with Scripture. I care too much and love you too much to just tell you what you want to hear.
I am The Old Watchman, Ezekiel. You have been warned.