In the role of a watchman, as described in Ezekiel 33:1-7, the prophet's duty was to stand guard and warn the people of approaching danger. Anciently, a watchman would position himself in a high place, scanning the horizon for enemies, and upon sighting them, he would shout a warning to the unsuspecting citizens to prepare for the onslaught, though he lacked exact details of the attack. Ezekiel's role, however, was not to warn of a physical enemy but a spiritual one, focusing on alerting the wicked in Israel to turn from their sinful ways and live righteously, as clarified in Ezekiel 33:8-11 and Ezekiel 3:16-21. His task as a watchman was heavily weighted toward preaching and teaching God's way of righteousness, serving as a warning message of repentance and an exhortation to grow in faith and obedience to holiness. These prophetic hints about future events were prods to motivate change before the coming, dreadful Day of the Lord.

Herbert W. Armstrong emphasized the role of a watchman over Israel, drawing from Ezekiel 33, to warn of the approaching time of Jacob's Trouble. If the watchman failed to warn Israel, the responsibility for their suffering was placed on him, but if he warned them and they did not heed, their consequences would be their own. Jesus Himself instructs in Luke 21:36 to watch and pray always to be accounted worthy to escape the coming trials and stand before the Son of Man. This watching goes beyond observing world news; it involves a deeper alertness and spiritual effort. Jesus urges setting the mind on the correct course, ensuring distractions of the flesh or worldly anxieties do not dull spiritual senses. The call to watch, meaning to remain sleepless and vigilant, implies active engagement in overcoming personal flaws and growing in God's nature. Similarly, in Mark 13:33-37, Jesus connects watching with prayer and vigilance, reminding us that no one knows the hour of His return. This uncertainty should motivate constant preparedness and attention to spiritual growth. He warns against spiritual slumber, emphasizing the need to stay alert for His sudden coming, lest we be found unprepared. His admonition to all is clear: Watch!

Being a watchman means being alert, much like a guard or sentry in a war. This alertness is not merely to world news, but to your spiritual condition, to what is happening around you, and to whether you are obsessing over the wrong things or gambling your life away through sin. We must watch and remain vigilant to what truly matters, ensuring our focus aligns with God's purpose and not on distractions that could lead us astray.