How often do we think about the salvation of others, and do we truly care about their well being? Not so long ago I was sitting at a coffee shop working on my sermon when I noticed countless people hurrying in and out with their drinks. Obviously they were preoccupied with one mission, and most didn’t even look to their left or right. It’s a shame how we have become so engulfed with our own lives that we have forgotten to care for others. As Christians, our main objective is to serve the Lord and to spread the Word of Salvation. We are called to be compassionate and loving – having the love of Christ in us to reach out to mankind with the hope that is Christ Jesus. The Great Commission was given to us by Christ to go out in the world and preach the Gospel, baptizing people in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Well, a part of sharing the Gospel entails speaking about the original sin, and how the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
Ezekiel was tasked with such an endeavor. He was appointed Watchman by the Lord to warn the Israelites of their sins. He was called to bring them the message of repentance and to provide a dire warning to the Israelites; repent or perish. We can take the first six verses of chapter 33 as guidance for us as well. Let’s read what the Lord has to say:
33 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, 3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, 4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’
Not only are these verses relevant to us, they cause urgency in us to sound the trumpets, warning people to repent, accept Jesus as Lord and live according to His will. Otherwise, we are destined to eternal damnation. How much do you love others and are you willing to share the love of God and the message of salvation? There are a few points made here that are important to note:
- Duty and compassion
- Not all will accept the warning
- Repercussions of neglecting our duty
Duty & Compassion
In this instance, Ezekiel was appointed to execute this task, however, with the New Covenant; we are all required to be Watchmen. As mentioned earlier, Jesus has given us the Great Commission which is a duty that is embodied in compassion. We understand that the Word of Salvation is spread through people, which is the Lord’s main method. Let us stand as Watchmen, warning people of their sin. Christ said in Matthew 7:13, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it”.
Not All Will Accept The Word
This is an important point for Christians to understand. With the example of the Parable of the Sower, we know from Jesus that not all who hear the Word will accept it. Much like the Watchman, we can only share the Gospel, or in Ezekiel’s case, warn the Israelites of destruction. Ultimately, people have free will, and if they will choose to continue on their sinful path, then we can only pray for them. We are certain that the Word will fall on different soil types, some on fertile ground while others will be chocked by weeds. The important point is to avoid being discouraged. After all, it’s the Holy Spirit who changes peoples’ hearts, not us. Our goal should be to execute the Great Commission daily which is a task that Lord has placed before us – as it was for Ezekiel. In Matthew 10:14, Jesus says, If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. What is clear is that our efforts shouldn’t become personal, nor should we be turned off from the process of evangelism. Matthew 10:14 simply provides us with an important example that our purpose is to share the Gospel, God will take care of the rest. It’s a constant trek, moving from one person to the other and sharing the Gospel compassionately. The Parable of the Sower validates the fact that we cast the Word like a Sower planting his fields.
Repercussions of Neglecting our Duty
There is a consequence for those that fail to carry out this task. In Ezekiel 33:6 the Lord says 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. In the parable of the Salt and Light, Jesus says in Matthew 5:13 that 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. We must realize the severity and the importance of carrying out the Lord’s will with reverence and the utmost seriousness. Please do not neglect your duty to serve the Lord; otherwise, we will be useless for the Kingdom of Heaven. Both examples in Ezekiel and in Matthew are extreme; however, it provides us with a clear message, serve the Lord seriously and align your will to the Lord’s will. In 2 Peter 3:9, it states, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Conclusion
Be a diligent Watchman, focus on serving the Lord and caring for others. Let your desire be the same as the Lord’s and approach evangelism as if it were a life or death situation – Hell is a serious reality. Be compassionate towards people and genuinely care for their salvation.
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