Topic: Our Duty
We’ve been told that our nation has a system in place that can detect incoming missiles that are meant to harm us. But what if after all the time and money which has been spent, and those responsible for watching out for our welfare saw signs that we were under attack, and yet for some reason decided not to alert the military, inform the president, or warn the American people?
Ezekiel is reminded of his call to be a watchman. His ministry is likened unto that of a watchman, or sentry, observing the danger of a coming enemy and then warning his people. He is a watchman to them in spiritual matters. Ezekiel is to point out their sin and warn them to repent and turn to the Lord.
Noah’s message from the steps going up to the ark was not, “something good is going to happen to you!” Jeremiah was not put into the pit for preaching, “I’m okay, you’re okay.” Daniel was not thrown into the lion’s den for telling people, “positive thinking will move mountains!”
John the Baptist was not forced to preach in the wilderness and eventually beheaded because he preached, “Smile God loves you!” The two prophets of the tribulation will not be killed for preaching, “God is in heaven and all is right with the world!!”
What was the message of all these men of God? Their message can be simply put in one word, Repent! Why? Because God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). Instead, God sends His messengers into the world to warn of the danger of sin and the joy of salvation.
We learn from Ezekiel: We are accountable for ourselves. God said to Ezekiel (33:6), “if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a person from them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman’s hand.”
Let us be aware, that we are the watchmen in the parable today. All of us are responsible for telling people as the opportunity arises of their responsibility before God.
The opportunity is always placed before us with the Putnam County Fair. I pray New Life takes this moment seriously as we would be found faithful watchmen sharing the gospel.
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem