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The Watchmen Vision Statement

Watchmen For Yeshua/Hashem first is a Messianic Judaism site and foremost is dedicated to proclaiming the gospel of Yeshua Hamachiah and His soon return to the Jews first then the nations. Secondly, we strive to send a wake up call to Jews first , as well as to all people, to be aware of what is happening in the world today by comparing current events with biblical prophecy. It is our prayer that this ministry will draw many to Yeshua and give Him the glory and thanks in all things and Amen!
* The Call Of The Watchman:*
It is written in Ezekiel 33:1-6 "The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone's life, that person's life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. (NIV)

The Role of The Watchman

God said to the prophet Ezekiel, "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me" (Ezekiel:3:17).Here is one of the most intriguing metaphors used by God in all of prophecy. It is repeated in chapter 33 for emphasis, and sets the stage for the prophet's ministry to the divided houses of Judah and Israel.Just what was the role of a watchman to an ancient city? How does God use the role of a watchman to warn and teach? What does it mean for the work of God today as this world comes to a prophetic crossroads?It's vital you understand the answer to these questions as events grow increasingly tense in a rapidly changing world order.

As an key figure

In the ancient world of agrarian societies, large watchtowers were placed overlooking the fields. There, in the weeks the crops were ripening toward harvest, men would stand watch, guarding the fields from animals or from thieves who would make off with the crops. With the community's basic food stores at stake, the watchman's role was critical to the townspeople.

We also find several references in Scripture to a watcher mounting the city walls in times of stress to survey the scene outside the fortifications. He was situated on a spot from which he could monitor the approaches to the town. If a threat appeared, he would sound a warning and the town would shut its gates and prepare for battle.

You can also imagine the watcher standing vigil at other times, observing the daily life of the city. He could see much of the activity in the streets and markets. He knew the people, their work, their habits and their lifestyles. If his position was near the city gate, he could also observe the business of the city transacted by its officials (see Ruth:4:1-12)

Prophets Called To be watchmen

Focusing on the Old Testament prophets helps us understand the full meaning of the symbolism of a watchman. There may be more than you have noticed before.

We noted at the outset Ezekiel:3:17, where God told the prophet to warn Israel of its sins and His impending punishment, saying, "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me."

Notice it is God's message, not Ezekiel's message or any other prophet's message. It is always God's message delivered through the human instrument. The warning comes from God in language phrased to fit the situation and designed to bring people to repentance. Let's keep this point firmly in mind.

Continuing: "When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul" (verses 18-19).

The prophet had the duty to deliver the sobering message: Unless the citizens of Israel and Judah acknowledged their sins, turned from them, repented and began again to obey God's law, they would die in their sins. Regardless of how individuals responded to the warning, if they heard the message, the prophet had done his job and was no longer responsible. Only if the prophet did not deliver the admonition would he be judged along with the wicked.

Verses 20-21 explain another aspect. If a righteous person turned to sin, he would suffer the penalty, but the prophet would also be held liable for not giving him instruction. If the prophet gave adequate warning, instruction and positive teaching, the righteous could understand the consequences of turning from the right path. This could help motivate him to stay firm to the faith, a choice that would vindicate the prophet's work.

You get the sense here that a part of the prophet's message was showing the people how to live and maintain their faith. It was not just a strident message focused only on pointing out their problems. If the goal is to get people to turn back to the Word of God, then the message must also show the benefits of doing so. It must show the positive, better way of life God desires His people to live.

What's the watchman to say?

Let's look closer at what a watchman is to do by bringing in what Isaiah tells us about those who would preach the gospel of peace.

The role of a watchman is not limited to speaking only about the sins and problems of the society. The watchman was also charged with proclaiming good news about salvation.

Notice this in Isaiah: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord brings back Zion.

"Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God" (Isaiah:52:7-10).

To Jerusalem and the land of Israel God says the watchmen will hold a vigil day and night for the peace of the people. "I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

"The Lord has sworn by His right hand and by the arm of His strength: 'Surely I will no longer give your grain as food for your enemies; and the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your new wine, for which you have labored. But those who have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord; those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts.'

"Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples! Indeed the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the world: 'Say to the daughter of Zion, "Surely your salvation is coming; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him"'" (Isaiah:62:6-11

Here we see the watchman role given to a group of people charged with a prayer vigil for the well-being of Israel. These people, by their presence and their prayers, seek to keep the city from suffering the ravaging effects of evil.

These passages in Isaiah paint an image of godly people who are given unique vision into the world of today and the world to come. They understand the universal application of Torah of God. They see that God will bring that Kingdom to earth and will offer salvation not just to Israel, but also to all nations. They see the reuniting of the tribes of Israel in the Promised Land as the beginning of the times of restoration of all things spoken of by Peter in Acts 3.

But they also have insight into the world at the end of this age. They see the dark gathering clouds on the world's horizon that spell the end of Satan's reign as the god of this world and author of all its evil. This leads them to mount the "walls" of society and shout a warning to any who will hear. To say: "God is sovereign. He will bring a time of judgment on the world to prove that He alone is God. All other gods erected by people to hide His truth will be destroyed."

Who are we

Myself Watchmen/שומרים Gavriel Ben Levi and Watchman/שומרים Charles Medina are the founders of this web site we are Watchmen/שומרים and welcome any who have this calling on their lives join us.We are Messianic Jews, so you say what is a Messianic Jew? fair enough we will do our best to describe this and what does a Watchmen do you ask? Let's begin with this beautiful scripture; Isaiah 62:6-8Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

⁶I have posted watchmen on your walls, Yerushalayim;they will never fall silent,neither by day nor by night.You who call on Adonai,give yourselves no rest;⁷and give him no rest till he restores Yerushalayimand makes it a praise on earth.
⁸Adonai has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm:"Never again will I give your grain to your enemies as food;nor will strangers drink your wine,for which you worked so hard;

The word "watchmen" is translated from the Hebrew word shamar or shomer. It appears 468 times in the Scripture and is translated "watchman" eight times. Other alternate translations are keep, guard, guardian, keeper, watch, observe, heed, or preserve.

There AreTwo Kinds of Watchmen

A watchman in biblical times fulfilled a couple of very important functions, which this verse calls to mind. First, in an ancient agrarian society, guarding the crops was of supreme importance. In that time, people by and large grew their own food, and the survival and prosperity of the family or clan depended on having a good harvest. If wild animals ate the crops, people trampled them, or enemy armies ate the grain and fruit, it wasn't just a financial loss; starvation was a real possibility. It wasn't like today when you could simply buy every kind of food product at your local supermarket. So, crops were watched over night and day to ensure that they were safely brought to harvest. Watchtowers (migdal shomrim, literally "tower of the watchmen") were built of stone and can still be seen today in ancient terraced hillsides.

A second type of watchman was the guard who stood on the walls of the city. Their responsibility was to watch for enemies and to cry out an alarm if danger approached. Cities in those times were walled to protect the inhabitants from a variety of dangers including marauders, thieves, and enemy forces. Entry was limited to gates, which were carefully observed and guarded. Openings in the gates allowed for weapons to be unleashed against intruders before they could fully enter the city.

Armed watchmen (guards) would pace the walls and watch alertly for anyone who was out of place or appeared suspicious. If they perceived danger, they would call out the alarm, so the men of the city could protect their families. It was especially important to stay awake in the night hours and ensure the safety of the community. Today in Israel, there is still the need for shomrim (watchmen). Although most of the cities are not walled, many have security fences around the perimeter and guards who monitor everyone who comes and goes.

Isaiah 62

In Isaiah 62:6-7, the prophet speaks about praying for Jerusalem with the same careful attention as a watchman on the walls of a city. Literally, he holds the security of the people in his hands. God is calling on us to be like those watchmen. We must be constantly alert to the dangers which surround Israel. We must call out to God to keep (shomer) His promises, and we must rally others to the mission.

Because the job of watchman was so critical to the safety and provision of the people, readers of this passage in biblical times would have clearly understood the importance of being a watchman in the spiritual realm. We are called to partner with God in this protection of Israel. In verse eight, He promises that He will "with a strong arm" keep the crops safe from enemies, another clear allusion to "watchman," which identifies Him as the Watchman of Israel.

Psalm 121

The theme of God as the Guardian of Israel (Shomer Israel) is delineated in Psalm 121. In this passage, the noun shomer or the verb form yishmar (he will guard or keep) appears six times in the eight short verses of this psalm, which describes how the Lord takes care of Israel.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps [shomer] you will not slumber. Behold He who keeps [shomer] Israel shall neither slumber or sleep. The Lord is your keeper [shomer] ; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve [yishmar] you from all evil; He shall preserve [yishmar] your soul. The Lord shall preserve [yishmar] your going out and your coming in from this time forth and even forevermore" (NKJV).

In the Artscroll Jewish commentary on the book of Psalms, the word is translated "guardian" (vv. 3-5) and "guard" (vv. 7-8). In a beautifully poetic manner, the psalmist is painting a picture of God for the readers. Readers in ancient times would have immediately pictured the common but vitally important watchmen in his community. The use of this word communicates that God, like a watchman, is steadfastly keeping guard. He doesn't slumber or sleep, but always keeps a careful watchful eye on Israel and all who "lift their eyes to the hills,"recognizing that He is the One who preserves, keeps, guards, protects, and watches over His beloved children.

WHAT IS MESSIANIC JUDAISM?

OVERVIEW;

Messianic Judaism is a Biblicaly based movement of people who, as committed Jews, believe in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Jewish Messiah of Israel of whom the Jewish Law and Prophets spoke.

To many this seems a glaring contradiction. Christians are Christians, Jews are decidedly not Christian. So goes the understanding that has prevailed through nearly two thousand years of history.

Messianic Jews call this a mistaken - and even anti-Scriptural - understanding. Historical and Biblical evidence demonstrates that following Yeshua was initially an entirely Jewish concept. Decades upon decades of persecution, division, and confused theology all contributed to the dichotomy between Jews and believers in Yeshua that many take for granted today.

FIRST CENTURY BELIEVERS IN YESHUA

Two thousand years ago Yeshua was a Jew living among Jewish people. "Yeshua," by which Jesus was called during his time on earth, is itself a Hebrew word for "Salvation." Yeshua kept Torah, or the Law of Moses. He studied the Jewish Scriptures that many now know as the "Old Testament," and read them aloud at the local synagogue on Shabbat (Luke 4:16). He was called rabbi (Teacher/Master) by his followers.

"Think not that I came to abolish the law and the prophets: I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them." - Yeshua, Matthew 5:17

After His death and resurrection, His following increased. From the book of Acts and other historical evidence, many believe that in the first century A.D. hundreds of thousands of Jews followed His teachings (Acts 2:41, 2:47, 4:4, 6:7, 9:31, 21:20), and established Messianic Synagogues throughout the Roman Empire and beyond (James 1:1, 2:2).

One of the first debates these early disciples faced seems ironic to us now: Could non-Jews participate in the community of Yeshua's followers without becoming Jews? At the very birth of Judaism, G-d had told Abraham that He would bless all nations of the earth through Abraham's offspring (Genesis 12.3). Accordingly, the apostolic council in Acts 15 decided that non-Jews could follow Yeshua without converting to Judaism.

Many factors intervened in the following years. Believers in Yeshua suffered increased opposition from both Roman authorities and Jewish synagogue leaders. As more and more Gentiles came to accept this faith and as the original Jewish apostles passed away, the Jewishness of that first-century faith was gradually lost.

MODERN MESSIANIC JUDAISM

Messianic Judaism is a Biblicaly based movement of people who, as committed Jews, believe in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Jewish Messiah of Israel of whom the Jewish Law and Prophets spoke.

To many this seems a glaring contradiction. Christians are Christians, Jews are decidedly not Christian. So goes the understanding that has prevailed through nearly two thousand years of history.

In the late 1800s, after several large-scale "revivals" among protestant believers in the United States and Europe, many Christians sought to tell Jewish people about Yeshua, or Jesus. Even as some Jewish people in Europe began to desire to return to the land of Israel and establish a permanent Jewish homeland there, the Lord stirred many Jews to look at the so-called "Christian Bible," or New Testament Scriptures, for themselves.

Centuries of continuing anti-Semitism in the name of Jesus had left the Jewish community skeptical. But some Jewish men and women did become followers of Yeshua during this time. In the following decades whole congregations of Jewish believers in Jesus were born. This movement was dubbed "Hebrew Christianity."

"They are the Israelites, and to them belong the Son-ship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Messiah!"- Rabbi Sha'ul (Apostle Paul), Romans 9:4-5).

"Hebrew Christianity" has since become known as "Messianic Judaism." There are now tens of thousands of Messianic Jews in the United States alone; some estimate as many as 1.2 million. Messianic synagogues are springing up in almost every major city across the U.S., and Messianic Judaism is quickly growing in other nations throughout North and South America, Europe, Oceania, and the former Soviet republics.

Christianity later became the state religion of the Roman Empire. Eventually an anti-Semitic view of the Messiah's life and death became accepted theology in Christian Europe for hundreds of years.

Messianic Jews recognize that their existence is entirely due to G-d's intervention on behalf of His Jewish people. Messianic Judaism is part of the fulfillment of G-d's many Scriptural promises of eternal love and faithfulness to Israel.

THE MESSIANIC JEWISH IDENTITY

The "Messianic Jewish identity" is wholly dependent on the person of Yeshua: G-d Himself comes to earth to reconcile the Jewish people and all nations to Himself. (See our Statement of Faith to find out more.)
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." - Isaiah 53:6

The foundation of Messianic Judaism, therefore, is each individual's personal relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob through Messiah Yeshua. In the Hebrew Law G-d clearly demands a blood sacrifice for the remittance of sins. Each Messianic Jew recognizes his or her own sinfulness and has accepted that Yeshua Himself provided this sacrifice.

Another important aspect of the Messianic Jewish movement is Jewish congregational worship. If Yeshua really is the Jewish Messiah of whom all the Jewish Law and Prophets spoke, then it is the most Jewish thing in the world to follow Him!

Should Jews really attempt to assimilate into Synogogues and fore go their Jewish identity when they choose to put their faith in the Jewish Messiah? Messianic Judaism answers, "No!"
As Yeshua Himself embraced His Jewishness, Messianic Jews seek to embrace theirs, by meeting in congregational communities with other Jewish believers and by maintaining a Biblically Jewish expression of their faith. Every congregation is different, but this expression often means worshiping in Hebrew, following Mosaic Law, dancing as King David did before the Lord, and keeping Biblical holidays such as Pesach, Sukkot, or Shavuot.

Also important is Messianic Judaism's ministry to both the Jewish community and the Christian body of believers. Messianic Jews are part of the larger Body of Messiah throughout the world, and Messianic Jews hope to help all believers in Yeshua to better understand the Jewish roots of their faith. Finally, Yeshua declared that no-one can comes to the Father - the God of Israel - except through Him (John 14:6). Messianic Jews seek to share this way, this truth, and this life with their Jewish brothers and sisters.

Baruch Hashem/G-d Bless You,

Watchmen; Gavriel Ben Levi and Charles Medina

Watchmen Statement Of Faith

What We Believe - A Statement of Our Doctrine
Watchmen Gavriel Ben Levi & Charles Medina

1. We believe there is one true an living G-d, existing as Avinu (Our Father), Yeshua (Son) and Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), equal in power and glory; and this Elohim (G-d Head) created all, upholds all, and governs all.

2. We believe that the entire Holy Scriptures (Tanach and B'rit Hadasha) are the work of G-d, fully inspired without error in their original manuscripts and the infallible rule for faith, practice and lifestyle.

3. We believe that G-d Abba/ Father is an infinite personal Ruach, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers our prayers; and that He saves from sin and death all that come to Him through the Messiah, Yeshua.

4. We believe that Yeshua is the Messiah; that He is G-d's only begotten Son, conceived by the Ruach Hakodesh and born of a virgin; that He lived a sinless life, performed miracles and teachings, died as a substitutionary atonement, bodily resurrected and ascended into heaven providing perpetual intercession for His people; and His personal, visible return to earth is imminent exactly as prophesied.

5. We believe in the Ruach HaKodesh, who came forth from Avinu, through Yeshua, to reprove the world of sin, to indwell and to empower all who believe in Messiah as an all abiding helper, teacher and guide.

6. We believe in being faithful to G-d's Mitzvot/commandments embodied in the Torah that He gave to Moses at Mt. Sinai; that the Torah reflects the practical wisdom of a loving God, intentionally given to His children to set them apart from the world, to preserve and protect them through faith and to guide them to mature faith and righteousness; that the Torah is the basis for our biblical heritage of our faith, but the Torah is not the basis for our salvation.

7. We believe in Mikveh (baptism) which preserves the biblical practice of Tevilah (full immersion) for purification in the living waters; and the laying on of hands for S'Mikhah (ordination), for healing and for receiving the manifestations of the Ruach HaKodesh.

8. We believe in the imminent return of Yeshua HaMashiach , to establish His Kingdom, to rule and reign over the earth from Jerusalem in peace and righteousness; and that the Body of believers will be resurrected to where eternal blessings for the righteous and endless suffering for the wicked.

9. We believe the writings of the Tanakh and Brit Hadashah are divinely inspired and fully trustworthy (true), a gift given by God to His people, provided to impart life and to form, nurture, and guide them in the ways of truth. They are of supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. (II Timothy 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:19-21)

10. We believe that the accuracy of the scriptures can be proven through:

- The Evidence of Prophecies

- The Evidence of Inspiration

- The Evidence of Infallibility

- The Evidence of Transmission

- The Evidence of Archaeology

- The Evidence of Unity

- The Evidence of Authentication

- The Evidence of Integrity

- The Evidence of Canon

- The Evidence of Preservation

What We Believe About Prayer

We believe in prayer as instituted by G-d through the Bible as the way to communicate with G-d in an intimate, two-way relationship.
We believe that prayer is talking AND listening to the voice of G-d.
We also believe that a true relationship with G-d is only possible through a personal relationship with Yeshua HaMashiach, the Son of G-d.
We believe in prayer, and whatever the immediate purpose, prayer should be that G-d's Will be done on earth (Matthew 6:10; I John 5:14-15). We must forgive to be forgiven (Matthew 6:14).The Ruach Hakodesh will help us to pray (Romans 8:26-27). If we ask in faith and in the Name of Yeshua, He will hear us (John 15:16; James 1:6-7).