Warning! Warning!

Today’s Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:

Topic: Responsibility

SCRIPTURE:  Ezekiel 33:8-9

⁷ "So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. ⁸ When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. ⁹ Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.  (Ezekiel 33:7-9 NKJV)

OBSERVATION:

This passage describes Ezekiel’s responsibility as one called by God to be a “watchman” over Israel. There is a double warning here. The wicked are warned to turn from their iniquity or face the consequences: “you shall surely die!” (v. 8). The watchman is warned to issue the warning to the wicked or face the consequences: “his blood I will require at your hand” (v. 8).

APPLICATION:

This admonition to “the watchman” is an admonition to me as a pastor. The Gospel message of Jesus Christ is life and fulfillment to those who will receive it, and a strong warning to all others. My job is to see that people I am charged to watch over hear the message and are warned. I am not responsible for the results, just the message. However, if I fail to deliver the message to those I am charged with, then I am responsible for their loss.

PRAYER:

Lord, show me clearly the extent of my assignment as a watchman and pastor. Give me boldness with compassion to deliver your message. Holy Spirit, cause that message to be received and accepted. May not one be lost on my watch.

Through Christ. Amen.  -AP