The Watcher and the Reprover
I have, in the past, attempted to teach the meaning of the scripture which reads:
“All that watch for iniquity are cut off.” (Isa 29:19)
I have pointed out that it is wrong to be a watcher of iniquity; to be always on the watch for the faults in the personality actions of others. This develops a negative and critical attitude that we need to avoid if the group is to indeed achieve union.
Ironically, this phrase has been thrown back at me, from time to time, with the following reasoning:
“All the members of the molecule should be trusted to follow their own ‘God Within’ in seeking to live up to their commitment. If we make demands for performance then we become watchers of iniquity ourselves.”
On the surface this may sound correct. After all, should we not trust each other to follow their “God Within”?
There is an illusion here that is difficult for some to see, but it can be seen and felt clearly through the eyes of the Spirit. Let me attempt to clarify in the hope the spirit of division will dissipate as the dew evaporates with the light of the morning sun.
The basic problem, as usual, is seeing the Middle Way. The Middle Way is difficult to see because “words veil the truth.” A clever person can take the most beautiful truth of scripture and make it appear to mean the opposite of that which the writer intended. The story in the New Testament of the Devil tempting Jesus by quoting a scripture is a case in point. The reason he was able to do this was because there is a duality behind all words, and even truths that reach to the physical plane can be seen either in their true reality, or illusion.
Nevertheless, the intuitive mind can take the distorted truth and chain it to a sequence of other truths that will reveal the illusion. Those who wish to hold on to the distortion will resist this logical sequence and wish to base their total argument on the distortion, even to the extent that they will refuse to examine all the evidence.
The true interpretation the watcher of iniquity is an important point to understand here. If we do not comprehend it we may find ourselves pointing our fingers at one another continually.
Let us go back to the originating scripture and see if we can shed additional light on this subject. Before I do this, it is important remember to keep a positive attitude toward these words and not feel that they are useless because the Devil was able to use them. In the confrontation between the Devil and Jesus (which was really a confrontation between his lower and higher self) the Devil used only one scripture, but Jesus used three. The lower-self did not (and could not) put the inspired writings together to make a whole picture, but Jesus in his higher-self relied totally on the voice of God.
The scripture concerning the watcher of iniquity comes from Isaiah. He is prophesying of the time when the Molecular Order or the Kingdom of God will be established:
“The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. The terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.” (Isa 29:19-22)
There are two categories of people here and they are in direct opposition to each other. The first is the watcher of iniquity. His main keynote is that he makes “a man an offender for a word.” He is also categorized with the scorners. We are told here that those who take this offense because of a word lay “a snare for him that reproveth in the gate.” This causes people to “turn aside the just (he who sees and judges in truth) for a thing of nought” (an illusion with no value).
The watcher of iniquity is fairly easy to identify by the fact that he makes “a man an offender for a word.” What does this mean? Simply that he considers the person an offender because of his words. In other words, he is easily offended because of the choice of words selected by the personality of another person. He does not look for his brother’s intent, or his heart, but has a black-and-white attitude toward his words. He watches for iniquity and error in his words and becomes offended because he looks at the personality and not at the soul.
The main person under attack by the watcher is: “him that reproveth in the gate.” This is the second category and this person causes great offence to the watcher of iniquity.
The “gate” here in its highest sense is the entrance to the Kingdom of God. It could also be interpreted to mean the entrance to any field of higher consciousness.
This second person (or persons) is not a watcher of iniquity, but he is an observer nevertheless. He is more of a watcher for righteousness rather than iniquity, and the main difference in the two categories is attitude. The watcher of iniquity looks on the lower personality and can find offense in words wherever he looks. The reprover looks upon the soul, is not easily offended by personality quirks and his main concern is to gather people of light to take through the gate. Therefore, those who are not ready, or are hindering others from entering the kingdom he must reprove, or correct, for the gate cannot open if an aspiring group or portion of it is caught in an illusion.
The clearest example in history of watchers of iniquity were the religious authorities in the days of Jesus and, of course, the best example of a reprover was Jesus.
The authorities constantly watched Jesus for iniquity, and especially they watched his words. They believed in the Kingdom of God and were looking forward to it. Outwardly they seemed to be very concerned about righteousness and establishing the kingdom; but inwardly, as they watched Jesus, this was the farthest thing from their mind. They felt like he was interfering with their way of life so they wanted to “lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate.” And, they not only watched his words, but did all in their power to get him to say words that would bring offense.
At his trial Jesus was not condemned for any of his actions, for his actions were all loving service. Instead, he was condemned for his words. Witnesses were called forth to prove that his words were blasphemous. They watched for iniquity in his words and in their eyes they found plenty of it.
Jesus, on the other hand, was a reprover. He did not waste his energy in watching for iniquity in the words of the Jews and not even their strongest words of abuse caused him offense. The result of their negligent action (or inaction), however, was always before him. He did not have to look for it. It was there for all who had eyes to see. When there was reproving to be done he was not meek and silent, but he boldly spoke out. The reproving concerned their actions rather than their words.
Jesus told the Jews:
“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” (Matt 23:13)
As a reprover in the gate it was Jesus’ responsibility to expose those who were not entering into the Kingdom of God. They were also preventing others from entering.
His strong language continues:
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more child of hell than yourselves … Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” (Matt 23:15 & 24)
Here he was telling them that they were so fussy over small things it was like straining a gnat, but they missed the more important things (judgement, mercy, and faith — see verse 23); therefore, in their attempt to avoid swallowing a gnat they wound up swallowing a camel.
This sounds like some people we know. Some try and eliminate the little gnats of evil and we wind up swallowing a camel of negativity.
Jesus continues:
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Matt 23:25-28)
The watchers of iniquity probably had a heyday attacking the words of Jesus here!
He continues to chastise the authorities and ends the chapter with these words:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” (Matt 23:37-38)
It looks like Jesus himself failed time and time again in his attempts to gather the lights. I don’t think we should feel bad if we have a little problem.
Jesus ends the chapter with this statement:
“For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (Verse 39)
Perhaps Jesus was growing weary of working with such a backward people here for he told them that they will not see him again until they say: “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
Thus we see that the next time he comes is not for the intent of being harangued and crucified, but to be recognized as coming in the name of the Lord.
How can we as a group call him blessed if he should appear to us if we cannot look with favor upon his words and revelations. The molecular principle is from him. We must rejoice at this concept if we are to rejoice at him when he comes. We must take our inner guidance seriously, not only in theory, but in practice.
Jesus said: “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?” (Matt 5:46)
If we seek to direct the power of money only toward the union of our own household are we not doing the same as everyone else out there who has no intention of building Zion? What use is it to make a commitment toward union if we are working toward the same type of union as is the world? The union required by the Molecule is the union of the whole, not just the part. To fulfill our part we must direct as much energy as possible to the union of the Body of Christ.
I stand with you as a brother, as one who reproves at the gate, and I invite all to stand there with us. As one that reproves, or corrects, I must not sleep, but be aware of the fruits that are being gathered.
Jesus told us how to accept and reject for the Molecular Order:
“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” (Matt 7:16)
Jesus pointed out here that no one is stupid enough to go out and gather fruit with thorns on that would stick in them and hurt them. If one comes across such a fruit he will not hate it, but simply leave it alone. Why pick fruit that is going to stick barbs in you? Or if you make a mistake and pick a piece of fruit that is leaving stickers in you surely you will not hold on to it for long. We shall know the good fruit because they are gentle souls who do not try and hurt by being watchers of iniquity or throwers of attack words.
A reprover at the gate does not have to watch for iniquity any more than does one sticking his hand on thorny fruit have to watch for the thorns. The problem just appears and he is forced to deal with it and he must correct the situation to the best of his ability or the whole lot of fruit will be rejected by the Master.
Jesus continues: “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt 7:17-20)
We must all work to bring forth good fruit. If we do nothing for the body and bring forth no fruit, or if we hurt the reprovers at the gate and bring forth evil fruit then we shall be rejected.
Those participating in the gathering are commanded to gather fruit that is not only harmless, but nutritious so both the gatherer and the Master can have joy in the fruit of their labors.
The watchers of iniquity concentrate in words, for the way of the reprover is the way of harmlessness and little can be found wrong in his actions. Nevertheless, if the reprover does err the watcher takes it for all the mileage he can get.
The reprover puts much more attention on action than on words, for he realizes that there are many who are fairly rough with words, yet have a heart of gold when it comes to the act of helping. Therefore, he searches for the heart through observing their works, or their fruits. If their actions are out of harmony with the light he will try and correct them by teaching them.
The good fruit receive instruction with gladness and both sender and receiver feel joy in their souls.
The bad fruit perceive instruction as an attack and immediately attack back and prick the reprover with their sharp thorns. The only way they can receive with joy is to drop their thorns, but they fear this will bring great pain so they keep them in the illusion that the thorns are for their protection.
It is impossible to receive joy through correction from bad fruit. Even when they are right there is some pain from their thorns. Those with the love of truth will feel an inward joy at receiving correction from good fruit and they will both be lifted up by the Master as one.
The ironical thing about the reprovers and the watchers is that they both see each other as negative. The reprover tries to see the Son of God within while not denying the negativity without whereas the watcher focuses entirely on the personality.
It may be worthwhile here to make a little tabulation of some of the differences:
Reprover: Attention on soul.
Watcher: Attention on personality.
Reprover: Attention on actions.
Watcher: Attention on words.
Reprover: Attention on attitude.
Watcher: Attention on form.
Reprover: Attention on future goals.
Watcher: Attention on past.
Reprover: Harmless.
Watcher: Hurtful.
Reprover: Correction joyful when received.
Watcher: Correction always painful.
Reprover: Not pious.
Watcher: Often pious.
Reprover: Forgiving.
Watcher: Harbors bitter feelings.
Reprover: Open with feelings.
Watcher: Suppresses feelings.
Reprover: Tolerant.
Watcher: Intolerant.
Reprover: Shows love by actions.
Watcher: Shows love with words only.
Reprover: Accepts correction.
Watcher: Resists correction.
Reprover: Willingness to share.
Watcher: Unwillingness to share.
Reprover: Sense of humor.
Watcher: Overly serious.
Reprover: Perfection not necessary.
Watcher: Perfection demanded.
Reprover: Keeps their word.
Watcher: Breaks their word.
Reprover: Open.
Watcher: Secretive.
Reprover: Seeking self-improvement.
Watcher: Alright with the way they are.
Reprover: Friendly to all.
Watcher: Friendly to some.
We could continue this list indefinitely, but this should suffice for those who have eyes to see. A person who is caught in the trap of negativity will not see himself correctly no matter how clearly it is presented to him.
Isaiah continues:
“Woe unto the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin (error) to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt (The ways of the old age), and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh (the lower self), and to trust in the shadow of Egypt (the way things have worked in the past)! Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.” (Isa 30:1-3)
We must all trust in the One Spirit of God together. Just as our body has one life force that is omnipresent in it so is there only One Spirit in the Body of Christ. It is true our individual lives are different, and we may all receive different instruction for our different circumstances. On the other hand, if we have a life together in the Body of Christ then we have one purpose together and will always receive the same direction concerning our participation. One part will not be told to do all he can to help the body while the other will be told to relax. All parts will have the same goal in connection with the body and must tune into the Spirit of God to be united in that goal and how to achieve it. If there is not unity here then one or both parts have a veil between them and the Spirit.
There is always division within any group. This means that one or both parts are wrong. Two opposing views in relation to one body cannot be equally correct. A body cannot do two things at once. It must make a decision. What is the decision of the body? We must all tune into the Spirit of God in the Body of Christ and get the answer. When this happens, we will become instantly one. It is the earnest desire of my heart that we should attain this quality. The Spirit within me promises at this moment that we can achieve this with whoever is willing to be on the side of soul energy, but the only ones who will sense it will be those who seek the spirit with all their hearts.
I will end by quoting the Tibetan’s sixth ray technique of healing. The sixth ray governs the solar plexus (or emotional) energy which is where the problem of group division originates.
“Cleaving the waters (emotions), let the power descend, the healer cries. He minds not how the waters may respond; they oft bring stormy waves and dire and dreadful happenings. The end is good. The trouble will be ended when the storm subsides and energy has fulfilled its charted destiny. Straight to the heart the power is forced to penetrate, and into every channel, nadi, nerve and spleen the power must seek a passage and a way and thus confront the enemy who has effected entrance and settled down to live. Ejection — ruthless, sudden and complete — is undertaken by the one who sees naught else but perfect functioning and brooks no interference. This perfect functioning opens thus the door to life eternal….” Esoteric Healing, Page 711
“In every journey, the traveler must ask: was the right path taken?” –– From “Heroes,” The TV Series,
October 25, 2008
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