The Watchman

Ezekiel 33:7 ~ "So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me."

​Atop the battlements, keeping vigil as they overlook the surrounding countryside, the watchman was tasked with one great responsibility--to warn the people of approaching danger. If an enemy attempted to come under the cloak of darkness, or a foe approached to storm the city, the watchman was the first line of defense. Even today, in our modern warfare era, strategic thinkers know that there must be an early warning system in place to keep an eye on any potential danger.

What a mercy it was for God to place a watchman upon the spiritual ramparts and provide warning for His own people when He was about to send calamity upon them. And God set Ezekiel to be that watchman. Through the prophet, the LORD would give warning against the sins of the nation, calling upon them to repent of their folly and turn from their evil ways. If Ezekiel was faithful in his task, then the responsibility fell upon the people to obey. If they did not take warning, then they would suffer the disciplining hand of the Almighty. 

Dear Christian, we have watchman still today. Consider the words of Hebrews 13:17, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." There are those whom God has appointed to serve the church as watchmen--keeping vigil over your souls. To disregard those who serve such a task is to do yourself harm. It is of no advantage to you if you have been given warning from those who are keeping watch and then disregard it as nonsense. You will be held accountable before the LORD for failing to heed the warning He sent through His servants by His word. Consider Ezekiel 33:9, "But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul."

But for those who are appointed a watchman and do not give warning, they will be held accountable, even as Ezekiel was told of his own accountability before God. "If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand" (Ezekiel 33:8). 

However, could it be that the dilemma facing the church today is not an abundance of watchman, but a lack thereof? Those who are given the task of keeping watch have a grave responsibility to fulfill that task in faithfulness to God and compassion toward the church. If you're reading this and have been appointed by God to stand before His people and proclaim His word, then you, man of God, are so tasked as a watchman. Paul warned the elders of the church to pay careful attention to the flock of God--to be watchman--for there would be ferocious wolves coming to try and devour His people (see Acts 20:28-30). 

In this sinful day, we have a great need for courageous watchmen to open up the Word of God and proclaim His truth. And the church must have a heart to respond to such warnings. And though there are those who are appointed and called to the task of proclaiming the Word of God, I am certain that all of God's children can stand faithfully as watchmen upon the ramparts of their life. You might only have a small group of Christians around you, but if you see danger in the life of another, give them warning and help them to understand God's word. Paul told the church in Galatians 6:1, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."

As we wrap up our thought for this day, it is important to consider the reason why God established watchmen on the walls. The LORD proclaims in Ezekiel 33:11, "Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?" 

Let us, today, take to heart the necessity to stand our post as watchmen upon the wall.

In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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