[Greek] ἀγρυπνέω (agrypneō), [Latin] vigilare, [Latin] vigilante, [German] wachen, [French] veiller: to be alert, to keep awake, to be on guard, to keep watch; Mk.13:3, Lk.21:36, Eph.6:18, Heb.13:17
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to lie awake, to pass sleepless nights, to suffer insomnia, to be watchful, to watch, and to awaken.
Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 8.3.42: “And yours shall be convinced that what I say is true for not one of those who are rich is made sleepless for joy, but of those who lose anything you will not see one who is able to sleep for grief.”
Plato’s Laws 964c: “Their father yet knew not that the children he should bequeath, then were without training in their father’s craft, able to camp out in the open, and to keep watch.”
Xenophon’s Hellenica 7.2.19: “Now inasmuch as the Philiasian had passed the night without sleep, they slept until far in the day.”
Old Testament: This term means to watch (over), to rouse oneself, to awaken, to stir up, to incite, to be alert, to be sleepless, and to be on the lookout.
New Testament: This term means to be alert, to be watchful, to be vigilant, to take care of, and to watch over. One must be watchful and alert as only the Father knows when the Son of Man will return. One must be vigilant with prayer when facing trials and tribulations. One must be vigilant with perseverance in facing spiritual powers. These tests involve facing the temptation of falling away God. Leaders are called to a higher standard leading and watching over their flock (followers). These leaders, both religious and secular, will have have to give an account for their actions before God.
Scripture:
“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” Lk.21:36
We are called to be awake and to be aware of imminent struggles and threats. We are called to prayer during these times.
“Obey your leaders and defer to them, for they keep watch over you and will have to give an account, that they may fulfill their task with joy and not with sorrow, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Heb.13:17
Responsible leaders deserve the respect (obedience) of the people. These leaders are also called to a higher standard of conduct. They will be eventually be accountable to God.
“With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones.” Eph.6:18
Putting on the armor of God and holding faith as a shield, one must be vigilant and prayerful in the battle against evil.
Battle against evil: This struggle suggests a moral battle, requiring putting on the armor of God, holding faith as a shield, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Who is the enemy? The principalities, worldly values, evil spirits, people (flesh and blood), used as Satan’s tools. The real enemy is Satan
Why is armor needed? So that one may be able to resist evil and to hold one’s ground.
What is needed and required? Praying at every opportunity and being watchful with perseverance and supplication.
Why is Satan subtle and devious? Satan seeks to upend God’s basic laws and commandments (behind the scenes without many of us realizing it!). Yet, many of us see these actions not as evil but as liberties, freedoms, and rights. This often results in the rejection of established Christian teachings in this post modern Christian world.
What are some examples?
Gay marriage: redefining and changing the traditional definition of marriage established by God.
Abortion: prioritizing woman’s rights over the unborn’s creation established by God.
Transgender: encouraging or choosing one’s gender over birth gender created by God.
Conclusion:
Vigil, vigilant, watch, watchful, surveillance, surveil (watch over)
It is interesting to note that this term can refer to something mundane as insomnia. Xenophon makes a timeless point in saying that loss of wealth can bring sleepless nights. On the other hand, those who are poor (without the trappings of wealth) can often lead joyous lives.
In the New Testament, great emphasis is placed on being watchful and vigilant when the Lord comes, and being prayerful in the midst of trials and temptations. Leaders are called to a higher standard in “faithfully’ watching over their “flock” or constituency. These leaders will also have to stand before God.
All of us must be spiritually armed in a battle against evil where Satan often misleads and confuses us in what we believe.
Update: We all must continue to pray for those who lost loved ones in Uvalde.
More must be done to ensure proper background checks on potential gun purchasers.
Both sides must be vigilant in finding consensus in implementing background checks, police security, and school security procedures.
We must continue to be vigilant in securing our southern border.
We must be on guard against China’s international intentions.
As a last resort, school security must be ready to stop and apprehend a suspect before another another tragedy occurs.
In light of these tragedies, we cannot afford to just be on guard but try to work together. At the very minimum, I think we can agree on safeguarding the schools with further security and police. Both sides (of the political aisle) have been continually entrenched in their positions in the gun control/gun rights debate. But both sides must keep watch to work with each other with issues in the middle. Perhaps each side can co-operate in finding agreement on strengthening mental health requirements, improving extensive background checks, and revisiting age requirements. The West needs to further collaborate to maintain and escalate sanctions against Russia. Europe also needs to be mindful that some countries are still dependent on Russia for energy supplies. It is encouraging to note that the West is providing defensive and offensive resources to Ukraine. Yet, in some situations we all must be wary and vigilant about questionable nations who are rogue, terrorist-supporting, and human-rights violators. We also must join together in being watchful of the government and social media’s effort to surveil (watch over) us regarding content moderation and suppression.
Next post: Working together and cooperating