The Watches

Regarding the various watches, we know that the first watch was from six to nine o'clock, the second watch from nine to twelve (midnight), the third watch from midnight to three in the morning, and the fourth watch from three to six in the morning. Now it is certain that the first and second watches have both passed, for we read in the parable of the virgins that "at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." Matt. 25:6. It is a fact that over one hundred years ago, this cry did go forth. Since then it has extended to almost every part of the civilized world and in a way, too, that has not been known since the days of the apostles.
In Paul's day, believers turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven. But according to our Lord's prophetic word, "while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept." So that as regards the watches, we are now in the third watch, and that watch considerably advanced. We say we are in some part of the third watch because in the fourth watch our Lord will come to His ancient people (Israel) as their great Deliverer.
There is a beautiful illustration of this in Matt. 14. Our Lord was in the mountain praying. His position there answers to His present place of ministry in heaven. At the fourth watch of the night His earthly people are in a great trouble and danger, and He meets them in their deep distress. Jesus reveals Himself as their Deliverer, so that when He came into the ship the wind ceased. They worshipped Him as Son of God, for the people of Israel will know Him by and by as "Son of God" and "King of Israel.”
If, then, we are in the third watch of the night, and it is far advanced, and He is coming to bless Israel in the fourth watch (and it is clear that we shall be taken up to meet the Lord in the air before He delivers Israel, for then we shall come out of heaven with Him), it certainly can only be a very little while before He that shall come will come, and will not delay.