Today's Bible Reading: EZEKIEL 32:17-33:20, JEREMIAH 52:28-30, PSALM 137:1-9, 1 CHRONICLES 4:24-5:17
Ezekiel 33:6
But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.
As we saw in a previous text (Ezek 3:17) , a watchman was essential in antiquity. Their role was significant for the safe and security of those they watched over. Their task was to “watch”. They were to post themselves in a place where they could look ahead to see if danger was lurking on the horizon. If it was imminent he would warn the people to either flee or fight. He was their “early warning system”. His sole task was to sound the alarm. He was to blow the trumpet. He was not responsible for their response. His was to make the danger known. He was to tell of the threat. He would communicate the crisis. He was responsible to tell them of the imminent danger in hopes they would hear and heed the warning.
This text differs from the previous similar one in that it speaks not of Ezekiel’s role but of our responsibility as a spiritual “watchman”. It forecasts the outcome of our actions. We are responsible to warn others of what is to come. Should we fail to forewarn them we will be held accountable and their blood will be upon our head. The text tells of our outcome “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, . . . and the sword comes and takes any one of them, . . . his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” But it also states that “if he (the watchman) sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people, then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.” (Ezek 33:3-4). So, If we sound the alarm and they disregard the danger and die their blood is upon their own head. They will be held accountable and we will be freed from any repercussions.
As believers we are the watchman over those we encounter. We are responsible for those who are in our sphere of influence. We are to sound the alarm. We are to tell them of the threat. We know through scripture and personal encounters the stark reality. There is danger on the horizon. Eminent death awaits all. None can escape its grasp. None can elude its hold. It is coming. Eternity will engulf all of us. Because of sin we are all doomed. Death must receive its wages. It can’t be avoided. This is the “trumpet” we must sound before the last “trumpet” is heard. (Matt 24:30-31).
Yet in the danger there is a glimmer of hope. There is help for all. We know the danger, but we have been delivered from it. Death doesn’t have to be eternal. We can experience eternal life. Our hope is in our resurrected Lord who took upon himself our sin. He paid our debt. He purchased our pardon. He arose triumphantly defeating death. Our danger is averted. Our deliverance is sure in Christ
Now we are set as watchman. We are heralds to proclaim the danger ahead and the path of deliverance available. We must blow the trumpet to declare the approaching danger. Death is certain. Deliverance is possible. Oh that all would heed the warning. Oh that all would turn and live! You must take shelter in the savior. Run to Jesus for eternal salvation. He is our sure help and secure hope.
Today announce the danger and declare the deliverance to everyone you encounter. Ask the Lord to help you not neglect this great responsibility. If you know Christ, proclaim Him. Blow your trumpet of warning now, today, to your friends, family and acquaintances. Don’t delay. Do it today. “For you do not know when the time will come.” (Mark 13:34). You are divinely appointed as His watchmen. So, do not neglect your responsibility to tell all of the danger approaching and the deliverance available. Sound the trumpet and share the hope we have in Christ Jesus.
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