Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance and the ends of the earth your possession. —Psalm 2:8

As intercessors for North Africa, we have the invitation in Ps 2:8 to ask for the nations of this region and the ends of the earth as our possession. Owning property, however, brings a responsibility to manage, maintain and watch over it with all our might!

1. Building a Wall Around the Property

One way of protecting these nations or our inheritance, is to build walls around it and put a door in the opening that can be shut when intruders lurk around. The first thing Nehemiah did when he returned to Jerusalem was to inspect the conditions of the city walls and start a reconstruction plan to protect the city. Tough opposition occurred, but their focus to complete the project, kept them going.

The following strategy was followed:

• Nehemiah stationed some people behind the lowest points of the wall, at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. (Neh. 4:13) As children of God we have the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God to use as a weapon. (Eph. 6:17)
• Nehemiah constantly encouraged the people to not be afraid and ‘Remember the Lord, who is awesome.’ (Neh.4:14) We need to encourage each other daily. (Heb. 3:13, 1 Thess. 4:18)
• Half the men did the physical work and the other half ‘were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armour.’ (Neh.4:16) Each has to apply their gifts to serve the body of Christ.
  (1 Cor. 12:9-10 and 27-30)
• Be alert at all times. ‘Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.’ They even took their weapons with when drinking water. Everybody served as guards by night and workman by day.(Neh. 4: 17, 22-23)

2.  Appointment of Gatekeepers or Watchman

In 1 Chron. 9:22-27, some gatekeepers were assigned to their positions to guard the house of the Lord, day and night. (Luke 18:6, Ps 134:1) Their brothers in the villages, however, came from time to time to share their duties. Some of us are assigned to intercede for a particular country or area on a permanent basis, while others will from time to time join for the short term.

The watchmen have a huge responsibility to hear form the Lord and warn the people of approaching danger. (Ezk. 3: 16, 33)

Let us not grow weary and tired of keeping watch over our inheritance, but keep our lamps burning and dressed for service, ‘like men waiting for their master to return’ (Luke 12:35)