Isaiah 32:14 – The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland for ever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks. (NIV)

When I ministered in Scotland, I served one of the most beautiful parishes in the country. Every morning, I would head out along the coast road to the village of Dunure, passing by many farms, fields, and forests. At the top of the village road, there was a large field, which looked out on the Firth of Clyde. In the middle of the field, there was a concrete tower that I thought looked out of place.

I asked the farmer who owned the land what it was. He told me that it was a watchtower. I still didn't understand, because, apart from the beautiful view and spectacular sunsets over the sea, there was nothing to watch. He then explained that it had been built during World War II and that the watchtower was used to spot any enemy aircraft, submarines, or warships coming up the Firth to destroy the naval bases and shipyards in Glasgow.

Thankfully, the watchers in the tower never recorded any such incidents, and after the war, the building was abandoned. The farmer never removed it, for he reckoned it was historic, and, anyway, the government wouldn't pay him to pull it down!

When Isaiah writes about the abandoned watchtowers in the city of Jerusalem, he is prophesying about a time when peace will reign and such things will not be needed. As Christians, we seek that same peace in our lives and will experience it when we are at last reunited to God through Christ Jesus, our Lord. We may battle through life and struggle with sin, but one glorious day, the war will be over, and we shall eternally dwell in that peace of God which passes all understanding.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are our Peace Bringer and the Healer of the nations. All over the world, there are many places that do not know peace because the people do not know You. Help us to realize Your peace in our lives, so that we may enable others to seek and find the same. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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