The ministers of the Gospel are called watchmen, either in allusion to shepherds, who watch over their flock by night (Luk_2:8); or else, to watchmen in cities as here; and their work may be considered:
1. With regard to themselves; they are to watch over themselves as well as others; they are to watch over their conversations, that they be as become the Gospel they preach, and so that they may give no ill examples to others, nor cause the ways and doctrines of Christ to be evil spoken of, and render their ministry useless; they are to watch over their doctrines, and take heed that they be agreeable to the oracles, of God; and they deliver nothing but the “wholesome words of Christ Jesus,” and such as may be for the edifying of their hearers, and suitable to the cases of souls; they are to watch all opportunities to preach this gospel, as the apostle says (2Ti_4:2), to “be instant in season and out of season;” and then they are to watch and observe the success of it, and how it is blessed and made useful to souls: moreover they ought to have a very great guard upon themselves; for if the enemy can but surprise, decoy, or corrupt them, it turns much to his advantage.
2. With regard to others, their work is,
(1) To give the time of night, as in (Isa_21:11-12).
(2) To give notice of approaching dangers.
They are to give notice of the danger that sinners are in, who are walking in the broad road to destruction; and also the dangers that churches may be in through errors and heresies springing up among them, as well as by indulging themselves in any vicious practices, which they are severely to cheek and reprehend. Now, this work requires vigilance, prudence, courage, and faithfulness; and also shows the necessity and usefulness of the public ministry, which can no more be dispensed with than watchmen in a city; and likewise what care the Lord has of His churches, in placing such officers in them, as well as the awfulness of the work they are concerned in; for if the watchman does not discharge his duty, the blood of those he has to do with will be required of him. (John Gill, D. D.)
Saw ye Him whom my soul loveth?--
Objects of a Christian’s love
I. The object of a Christian’s love may easily be identified. Who should be the object of a Christian’s love but Christ? We wear His name, profess His religion, believe His Bible.
II. The existence of a Christian’s love should be personally known to ourselves. It must not be a theory, but a realization. Do we love Him more than the world or the creature?
III. The object of a Christian’s love should be openly and publicly avowed. It is not to be a secret thing, for he who is ashamed of his Master’s livery is unworthy of Him.
IV. The flame of a Christian’s love to Christ should be strong and vigorous. “My soul loveth Him.” “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,” etc. It will prompt to inquiry and earnestness.
V. The Christian’s love to Christ isnot always satisfied. The Master sometimes hides His face. There may be some cause of the Saviour’s withdrawing--wandering in sinful paths, sinful company, etc.
VI. The Christian’s unsatisfied love will produce in his soul greater activity and zeal. (Homilist.)
