“Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, ‘The morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire; return! Come back’” (Isaiah 21.11-12)!

Isaiah is in the midst of prophesying against the nations. This text is aimed at Edom (Dumah). Isaiah is the watchman. A representative of Edom calls out of Mt. Seir, “Watchman, what of the night?” Isaiah’s answer seems to infer that there is yet a morning for Edom, a time of prosperity. However, the night is coming, a time of great adversity. So, Isaiah calls Edom to return or come back to God. 

God has given us His Word. What we do with it determines the direction of our lives and our eternal destiny. It seems utterly incredulous that so many treat God’s Word with great apathy. Amazingly, still others mock and scorn it. Perhaps you are among them and have a background in the Christian faith. What of the night that is coming for you? Are you enjoying the morning of your prosperity? The night of adversity is ahead of you. Return to God! Come back to Him before the night is upon you. 

Tremble at the warnings. Joy in the promises. Be fully persuaded in your mind that God’s Word is true. As a believer, I know that sorrow and suffering are a part and parcel of life. But I also know that joy comes in the eternal morning. First the suffering, then the glory. But the unbeliever lives for the prosperous, temporal morning that quickly passes into eternal darkness. Sing with me…

I trust in God through darkest night,
He faithful will remain;
I’ll trust Him till the morning light
Restores my sight again.

Joy will come in the morning,
Hope is sorrow’s adorning;
Tears will vanish at dawning,
For joy will come in the morning.

Our Father leads through sorrows deep,
A cooling spring to make;
Where those who thirst and those who weep
May from that stream partake.

When disappointment breaks my heart,
And tears of sorrow flow;”
When troubles come and hopes depart,
God’s promise stands I know. – Frank Garlock