The Watchman

The prophet Ezekiel was known as the watchman. Twenty-six hundred years ago, a watchman’s duty was critical: he was to stand on the wall of the city and watch for invaders with evil intentions and warn the people in time for them to protect themselves and their city. If he did so and people ignored his warning, their blood was not on his head (Ez. 33:5). However, if he saw the danger approaching and chose not to blow the trumpet and warn the people, then the blood of those who died (or were taken as captives) was on his head. Ezekiel’s call to be a watchman was not literal—it was spiritual. He was called by God to watch over the house of Israel and to speak God’s warnings to them (Ez. 33:7), and he did so. In Ezekiel 33, God warned the people through Ezekiel of spiritual danger. He told Ezekiel to warn them of trusting in their own righteousness (vs. 12). People tended (as we do today) to become secure in their righteousness, which can lead to a false pride and then sin, which can only accomplish death; conversely, God spoke of the wicked and the salvation that comes to him when he repents of his sin after it is brought to his attention (vs. 12-16). Reading about Ezekiel reminded me of Jude’s encouragement to New Testament believers. He told them to “keep” themselves in God’s love and to wait with longing for the “mercy” of eternal life in Christ (v. 20-21, NASB). He went on to tell them to “have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh” (v. 22-23)  We, too, are called to be watchmen, and the time grows short. Christ’s return is imminent, and even if it is not in my lifetime, it is much closer than it was 2,000 years ago. The Lord is not slow in coming back, He is just merciful and patient because His desire is for everyone to repent instead of facing eternal separation from Him (II Pet. 3:9). I imagine His heart hurts that He sacrificed His only Son for all while only a few accept the sacrifice. Jesus’ last exhortation before He ascended to heaven was to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). Those who believe our witness and repent will be saved, but those who do not will be condemned eternally (vs. 16). Watchman, have you snatched anyone from the fire lately?