Bible Thoughts May 7, 2000
"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).
The people of God were in trouble--again! They had refused to hearken unto the warnings that came from God. In his patience, the Lord would, as he had many times, give them another opportunity to do what is right. The mercies of God led the Almighty to choose a man who would warn them of the dangers of their failing to keep the laws of the Lord.
Jehovah had great patience with the rebellious nation of Israel. However, there comes a time when even the Lord will not tolerate further indifference and/or rebellion. Yet, he would give them another opportunity to change their ways through the prophet Ezekiel's efforts. The Lord would anoint him a "watchman" over Israel. It would become Ezekiel's duty to warn the wicked of the consequences of their behavior.
When the prophet relays the message from God to the people, they would have two choices: accept or reject what Ezekiel taught. If they accepted the words of the messenger, they would be spared. If they rejected what the Lord is warning, they would die in their "iniquity." The Lord calls Ezekiel a "watchman over Israel."
What is the role of a watchman? "One who stands guard. Ancient cities had watchmen stationed on the walls. Their responsibility was to sound a warning if an enemy approached (2 Kings 9:17; Ezek. 33:2-3). Israel's prophets saw themselves as watchmen warning the nation of God's approaching judgment if the people did not repent."(Holman's Bible Dictionary). If the people ignored the warnings, the consequences would be dying in their "iniquity"(Ezekiel 19). What God wanted accomplished through the prophet was a change(repentance). If they did not heed the words of the prophet, Ezekiel would be spared, but the rebellious people would be punished.
It is the duty and responsibility of those who teach the word of God to follow the example of Ezekiel. Encourage the righteous; expose the wickedness of sinners. The teacher cannot make folks do what is right; the teacher can only warn of the consequences of not following the word of God. Teachers and preachers(and all Christians) are in the persuasion business. The instrument that is used to persuade is the word of God.
Ezekiel had two sources for his warnings: The Law of Moses and the direct instructions from Jehovah. The people closed their eyes, as they had in the past, to the warning that came from God. In each case, the Lord had warned them of the consequences of not following his instructions. Men are stubborn; their rebellion is evident in too many instances. From Adam to the newest human, there is the potential for accepting the words of God or rejecting the truth. It is up to each individual to make that decision. The watchman can be ignored; the truth cannot.
Ezekiel would cry once again against the iniquities of Israel and plead for a return to the God who created them. As James would say of these messengers from God, "Take, brethren, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spake in the name of the Lord" (James 5:10). A host of prophets were sent to Israel to warn them of the disaster of iniquity and indifference. Some heeded; the majority did not. Is it any different in our day?
And yet, we are not to give up our role of carrying the message of truth to all of mankind. We must never let our impatience and lack of success hinder spreading the gospel of Christ at every opportunity. The majority will not obey the truth. One single soul, however, is worth every effort that we put forth in teaching and preaching the gospel. Never let the lack of success discourage us; one soul is more precious than all the world's wealth.
There was a man who preached for 120 years. He saved only his family. Was it worth it? When you get to heaven, ask Noah!
It is not possible to be a Christian and conceal it from other folks. By one's words, actions, reactions, and responses, that fact will be evident. As the song sung by the younger people, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." You do not have to "shine" your light for others to know you are a disciple of Christ, but your life will reflect that you are a Christian letting the light shine. You do not have to try to conceal it, your works will demonstrate it.