(The following is a devotional from May 31st titled reflecting god)
After seven days the LORD spoke his word to me. He said, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the people of Israel. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me. Suppose I tell you that wicked people will surely die, but you don’t warn them or speak out so that they can change their wicked ways in order to save their lives. Then these wicked people will die because of their sin, but I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But suppose you warn the wicked people, and they don’t turn from their wicked ways. Then they will die because of their sin, but you will save yourself. If righteous people turn from living the right way and do wrong, I will make them stumble, and they will die. If you don’t warn them, they will die because of their sin, and the right things they did will not be remembered. I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn righteous people not to sin, and they don’t sin, they will certainly live because they listened to the warning. You will save yourself.” (Ezekiel 3:16-21 GW)
The watchman was a key and comforting figure in ancient cities. Typically the Jews divided the night into three “watches” of approximately four hours each. The watchman was to stay alert while the city slept. It was his job to watch out for any danger that might threaten the life or property of the residents: thieves, fire, an approaching army, whatever. If a danger was discovered the watchman was to raise the alarm. If a watchman neglected his duty by sleeping on his watch or, even worse, by taking a bribe to “look the other way,” his own life could be forfeit for his betrayal of trust. Being a watchman was a serious responsibility.
It is no less true for the one who speaks for God. If God gave Ezekiel a warning for the people, he must speak out “or be held accountable for their blood” (3:18). If they ignore God’s messenger, then the judgment falls on them but not His faithful servant.
Ezekiel was God’s servant whether in silence or speaking.
Faithfulness was the key. It still is.
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