[Jesus speaking]
Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone:”‘Watch!’ 

--Parallel verses:
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬-‭15‬
[Jesus speaking]
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

I have kids, five of them, and one thing we have taught them all is to complete the task at hand. I do this by checking their work and charging them for incomplete work. If they make allowance for chores, there are subtractions for incomplete chores. Then every once in a while, I surprise them with something they like for a job well done.

As I picture this parable, I think there are two ways to look at it: Option 1: The lackadaisical watchman does not take his duty seriously, and whenever danger presents itself, will not stand up for the truth. They will be found trying to make it look like they are keeping watch and protecting the house, but in reality they care more about their comfort and selfish-driven pleasure priorities than the master and his commands. It is complacency and a lack of sincerity and honesty that keeps them from being a faithful watchman. The problem with this type of watchman is their resolve to be alert and keep watch normally breaks down at some point.This is because it is not done out of duty or respect, but as a requirement.

Option 2: The faithful watchman is all about hard work in eager expectation of the master returning — keeping the house in order and standing watch. This requires prioritizing the master’s work and desires above his own. A watchman serves his master first. It also involves protecting the house from those who would overcome it and steal, kill, and destroy. This is the example of the faithful shepherd in John 10. This watchman or shepherd will run into danger to protect his people or flock. He gets to know the hearts of those he serves; and through real, active love – build intimacy. He knows his sheep’s names, his word is his bond, and his people rally around Him.

When we see Jesus and his apostles tell us to keep watch, and to stand guard, this is not just about physical protection. It is mainly about the guarding of our hearts and minds. Here are a couple of verses that speak to this:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬)

Lord, help me to stand guard faithfully in obedience to your call on my life and to your word. I need to guard my heart and I need you to transform my mind each day so I can effectively lead those placed in my care. And when you return, may I be found alert and on watch in your church, your kingdom on earth.