February 11 - Jerusalem

"I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
They will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the Lord, give yourself no rest,
And give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem
And makes her the praise of the earth." Isaiah 62:6-7.

Until Jerusalem is established, God has promised that watchmen will be posted on the walls of the city. Who are these watchmen which God sets on the walls of Jerusalem, His true church? These are faithful ministers which God gives to His church. Watchmen faithfully warn and proclaim the Word of God. "You who call on the Lord, give yourself no rest …" Who is this? It could be another way of referring to the watchmen or it might refer to all of God's people. Certainly the responsibility to call men, to Him to speak of Him, is the responsibility of every Christian.

The words "give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem …" do not imply that God is reluctant to act or needs to be persuaded, or even that a certain amount of prayer is necessary. God has honored us by making our prayers a part of His plan. Jesus told us to pray in His name-that is, in His will-and we will receive what we ask for (John 16:23-24). We are assured of the Holy Spirit's help as we pray (Romans 8:26-27). Here we are told to pray constantly.

Jesus knew that we tend to give up too easily. We often expect instant answers. The reality is quite the opposite. He is the Sovereign Ruler, and we are His subjects. Therefore, we must remember to ask, not demand. As we pray, we learn to know God. Prayer and knowledge of God are inseparable. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying (Ephesians 6:18)."

To "make Jerusalem the praise of the earth" means to make His church powerful and effective, penetrating the darkness. We pray, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." When we say, "Thy kingdom come…," we are praying "Your kingdom come in me."

Prayer - More and more may your kingship spread in my life so that every area is under your control. Your kingdom come through me and through your church in the world, so that we may make an impact. Amen.

- Sue Fisher