DAILY DEVOTION No. 18

Eze 3:17-19  “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. 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”

In ancient Israel, watchmen were stationed on the walls surrounding the city to warn the people of imminent danger and the approach of messengers. Ezekiel here is commissioned by God to warn Israel that each person is responsible for his or her own behaviour and to let them know that judgement was coming if there was no repentance.

As we examine this passage, what comparisons do we see for present day:

a)  WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO BE A WATCHMAN OVER OUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS AND RELATIVES

The enemy is attacking and reaping havoc all around us. People around us are in the grip of Satan’s power while others are dying before our eyes and going to a Christless eternity.

We have been commissioned to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations." This is not something we can do if we feel like it, it is a command. We have an obligation! It is not just the responsibility of the evangelists or those who have an outgoing personality. We may be the only opportunity that people have to meet Jesus. God will hold us accountable if we don’t share our faith and bring a warning. The enemy is having a field day in our communities because the church worldwide has neglected it’s duty as a watchman.

What will happen to those we love if we don’t say anything? - we can bring hope where there is no hope. In ancient Israel, fearful persons, awake during the dangerous hours of the night, would often repeatedly inquire of the watchman whether all was well. We must have a compassion for them and tell them.

3. Because of the near return of jesus

  Mark 13:10 - “and the gospel must first be published among all nations.” You and I can speed His coming by fulfilling His command. We must constantly live with eternity in our hearts and be people that look forward to His appearing.

b) WE DON’T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING MORE THAN SOUND THE ALARM – SOW THE SEED

Our duty is to share our faith - to sow the seed of the Gospel. The watchman's job was to sound the alarm, then the army bought the victory against the enemy. We are to be witnesses and as we do, God will bring His salvation to those we share with. We may not actually see anyone come to the Lord but we still have the responsibility to share.

c) WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO WATCH OVER OUR OWN LIVES

We must constantly be on guard that the enemy doesn’t get a foothold in our lives. If he can, he will try every way possible to discourage us or to place temptation in our way. 2 Ti 4:5 “But watch thou in all things………. We must realise that when the enemy comes against those that we are trying to warn, he will no doubt come against us as well. We must watch for his tactics at all times. We must remember that although we are to consider our own welfare, we are to see to the salvation of others.

d) EVEN WHEN FACING HARDSHIPS OURSELVES WE ARE TO CONTINUALLY WATCH

2 Tim 4:5 "..., endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist." The Watchman had to stand guard during daylight and through the night season. Watchmen must keep awake, whether they are sleepy, whether they be cold; they must stand all weathers upon the watch-tower. It is alright when you’re encountering the blessing of the Lord but what about when you're in the midst of hardships - WHEN EVERYTHING SEEMS THE DARKEST. Our responsibility doesn’t stop!

e) to fulfil his duty, the watchman must go to a higher level to get a better view of things

The watchman could not fulfil his duty properly without going up into the tower. You and I see from a different perspective as we get closer to God. We no longer operate according to our human thinking. We receive God given strategies to bring victory to people’s lives. We must get alone with God in prayer to know how to overcome the enemy.  

As a watchman, what sort of report will you bring? One that inspires others to victory and confidence or one that creates fear or no hope in the hearts of the hearers - a negative report. Our message must be clear – no mixed messages. 

Challenge