Sept 3

Ezekiel 32, 33

The Watchman is accountable.

Ezekiel was given the responsibility of sharing God's message of destruction to the people. This is not an easy task for a couple of reasons. For one thing, no one likes to hear bad news. There was the possibility that Ezekiel would be persecuted for relaying the message (Jeremiah experienced this when he was thrown in the cistern.) Secondly, the watchman is responsible for making sure that all are warned of the coming disaster. If he warns the people and they choose to do nothing, then their blood in on their own head. If Ezekiel does not warn the people, then their blood is on his head and he is responsible for their deaths.

This made me think of Jesus' instructions right before He ascended into heaven. Matthew 28:18-20 says, " Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." We are all commanded to be watchmen. We are to share the life-giving truth and warn people of the destruction that comes by going down the wrong path. We are responsible for sharing the Good News with people. We can't force them to accept what we have to say. All Ezekiel was responsible for was making sure they heard the warning. After that, it was up to the individual to do the right thing. We are to warn people, then it is up to them to make the decision.