A watchman is a person who keeps guard over a building at night, to protect it from fire, vandals or thieves. Do you know that as a believer, you too can be called to be a watchman?
The prophet Ezekiel lived in exile in Babylon during the period before and after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. In the first to third chapters, we see the call of Ezekiel. God called Ezekiel and appointed him to be a watchman over Israel.
"And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. And the spirit entered into me when he spoke to me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spoke to me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me; they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day." Ezekiel 2:1-3
Ezekiel is handed a roll (Ezekiel 2:7-10)
God wanted a prophet to be among the people whether they chose to listen to Ezekiel or not (Ezekiel 2:5-7). Ezekiel was handed a roll of a book with lamentations, mourning, and woes written on its front and back (Ezekiel 2:9-10). God told him to eat the roll and he did, it tasted as sweet as honey (Ezekiel 3: 3)
Ezekiel became the appointed watchman for the people of Israel.
"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me." Ezekiel 3:17
As a watchman, Ezekiel was entrusted with the responsibility of preaching to the people, of forewarning those who had strayed and rebelled against God. It was such an important task that God said he would hold Ezekiel accountable if he failed to issue warnings to those who were sinning against him. But if Ezekiel warned those who were committing iniquity of their evil ways, and they hearkened not and died in sin, then God would not hold him accountable (Ezekiel 3:18-21).
As a watchman, Ezekiel was to warn anyone who had erred from the ways of the Lord, it didn't matter if the person used to be righteous, if Ezekiel failed to warn that person and the person died in sin, God would hold Ezekiel accountable.
In other words, a watchman must not fail to watch the people. A watchman was not a judge, Ezekiel was not called to judge the people for their sins, or add his own commentary or opinions. He was called to hear from God and warn the people. God saw the importance of having someone (a prophet) warn the people in advance.
Today many believers wonder if they should voice God's word concerning many issues happening in our society, Ezekiel 3:17 made me realize that we are watchmen, and therefore will be held accountable if we fail to warn others when we see them doing what is wrong. If God is leading you to speak to a brother or sister, then you must do so because we are responsible for one another.
In Galatians 6:1-5, Paul admonished that as Christians we should correct one another in the spirit of meekness.
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" Galatians 6:1-2
Here are three things I noted from today's passage:
1. Ezekiel was first filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy spirit would give him the boldness to not be discouraged or fear when facing a rebellious people (Ezekiel 3:8-9). We need to be filled with the Holy spirit before we can become watchmen. Ezekiel 2: 2, 3:17
2. Ezekiel ate the word of God, he was filled with the word of God. He not only saw a vision, he heard from God. To be a watchman, you must hear from God and receive his word in your heart. Ezekiel 3: 10
3. Ezekiel would be held accountable if he failed to warn the people when they sinned. Ezekiel 3:18-21 As believers, we too should endeavor to warn others when they fall into sin and stray from God's word. Ezekiel 3:27
Prayer: Heavenly father, please help me to obey you and do your will in every aspect of my life. Please give me the grace and boldness to speak your word at all times in Jesus Name. Amen.
Reference
The Holy Bible, King James Version, Ezekiel 2-3, Galatians 6:1-10
Jim the follower, How is the call of Ezekiel relevant today? https://jimthefollower.com/2018/07/14/ezekiel/#page-content
