Wednesday, 27 May 2020 Ezekiel 33:1-20
“Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me.” -Ezekiel 33:7 [NASB]
Chapter 33 of the Book of Ezekiel begins with a reiteration of Ezekiel’s calling to be a watchman over God’s people (Eze 3:17 & Eze 33:7). In the early days, watchmen would sit guard in watchtowers and the high ends of the city walls to watch out for enemies and to inform the people of danger. Similarly, the Old Testament prophets and now we, as believers in Christ are called to be Spiritual Watchmen.
As "Watchmen” we are to:
Be Watchful: ‘…so you will hear a message from My mouth’ [Ezekiel 33:7]. A watchman has to be constantly vigilant and alert and in full awareness of his surroundings. We are living in a perverse world where godlessness thrives. Only when we live a right and faithful life can we be in constant communion with the Holy Spirit and receive a revelation that can be given to others to help guard their lives.
Give Warning: 'Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!...' [Ezekiel 33:11]. We are to warn people of impending danger – give a clear warning to turn from the ways of the world that leads to death. When we see sin - violence and perverseness around us – the works of the enemy, we are to blow the trumpet and warn people. God does not desire to see people perish. Rather, in His infinite love for His creation, God sent His Son as a payment for our sins [1 John 2:2] that whoever believes in Him will not perish. We are called to give a warning to the unsuspecting lot that takes pleasure in this world, that they may turn and seek the Lord.
Stay Accountable: 'When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.' [Ezekiel 33:8]. The watchman is accountable to God for the lives that he is called to issue a warning to. We will be answerable before God if we are negligent in ministering when asked to. If we neglect to proclaim a warning when asked to, lives will perish because of their sin, but we are accountable to God for their lives, as He has given us a message to witness to them.
Keep Interceding: "I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.” [Isaiah 62:6-7] Our duty is not over when we minister to others or issue a warning. We have the responsibility to intercede and pray for them unceasingly until we see a change in their lives.
A great responsibility is entrusted to us – to share the life-giving Gospel message throughout the world. Understanding the significance of the calling that is on us, as watchmen, let us be diligent in seeking the Lord and living a right life before God that witnesses Christ to everyone around us.
A Responsibility: “Him [Christ] we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28
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