Monday August 29, 2016

A Watchman Of God

-EZEKIEL 3:15-21

Key Verse:

"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).

Prophets do not have an easy task. If they are going to be true to their calling, then they do not have any control over what they proclaim to the people. They must only declare what they have heard from the Lord, whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, to a foe or to a friend. This is the true test of the faithfulness of a prophet. God made this very plain to the prophet Ezekiel in our text today as He revealed what his mandate entails. He must speak to warn the wicked and the righteous alike so the wicked can turn away from his wicked deeds and receive pardon; and the righteous that have strayed can retrace his steps and get restored. He is not to turn a blind eye to the atrocities of the wicked nor pretend to be unconcerned when a righteous person backslides. He is also not to bother if the message would be received or not. He just must be true to the duty before him. Preachers are not to determine the state and direction of the people with their own personal thoughts and opinions. They must hear from the Lord. Preachers who do not know the Bible are serious aberrations to their calling and ought not to be in the ministry. They do not have the right to just pick and chose what they wish to preach from the Bible. They must be faithful to say all that God tells and sends them. As Christians, we must realize that it is not only the preachers that have that responsibility of being God's watchmen. We have the same calling too. We cannot afford to turn blind eyes to the wicked acts of sinners around us. Together, we watch over and help one another stay on the track. This will guarantee our collective salvation.

Thought for the day: Say all that God tells you, to all that He sends you.

Bible Reading in one Year: PSALM 51 - 60