Today's lesson comes from Ezekiel 33: 1-11. Ezekiel was commissioned to be a watchman in the third chapter of the book. There, as in these verses, Ezekiel is directed to preach to the wicked and to the righteous. Also, there was not a welcome response on the part of the listeners. Yet, Ezekiel had to be faithful to deliver the message God had laid on his heart. Chapters 12 through 24 of Ezekiel contain a variety of signs, messages, and parables. The parables include the fruitless vine, the adulterous woman, two eagles, two sisters, and a boiling pot. These messages were delivered against false prophets, idolatrous elders, and unfaithful Israelites. The section closes with the death of Ezekiel's wife. Ezekiel goes on to deliver messages against the surrounding nations. The chapter in this lesson begins with the recommissioning of Ezekiel. From this point in the book until the end, his messages to the exiled Jews take on a more positive note. Ezekiel will speak of a restoration and the millennial age.
The first section is "A Watchman Appointed." vv. 1-6 Many times God uses types, symbols, or signs to help us understand spiritual truths. Jesus used parables. God began the recommissioning Ezekiel with the account of the duties of a watchman. A watchman was selected to warn people of the approach of an enemy. The people trusted the watchman to have their best interests at heart. The watchman was to be alert and observant. When anger appeared, the watchman was to "blow the trumpet and warn the people." If the person did not heed the trumpet call, "his blood shall be upon his own head." In other words, it was his own fault. However, if the fault lie with the watchman, the blood of those slain God would "require at the watchman's hand." In other words, God would hold the watchman accountable.
Today, many in churches want an easy soft message that offends or challenges no one. They don't understand that the pastor is God's watchman for the church. If the pastor where you attend never discusses sin, hell, repentance, or holiness, you need to consider leaving for one that does. When I pastored, I never went more than 60 days without a message on hell and the consequences of living in sin. It was said of me that every message I preached had holiness in it. Someone sarcastically said that if I preached on the flowers of the Bible, I would turn it into a holiness message. I took it as a compliment. How is your watchman doing? Is he warning? Or, is he melting under the pressure to be inclusive of everyone and their sin? We need strong watchman that will stand against sin, preach against sin, and show the way out of sin!
The second section is "The Wicked Warned." vv. 7-9 God tells Ezekiel that He has set him as a watchman. Ezekiel was to be an intermediary. He would hear God’s message learning and communicate it to the people. God wanted the people to know that the wicked would surely die and be responsible for their sins. If Ezekiel didn’t warn them, God would require that blood from him for failing to warn them. For years I have said, that while I don’t fully understand the depth of this warning, I want to make sure it never applies to me. Ezekiel was told that if he did warn them to turn from their wicked way and they failed to turn, they would die in their sin but Ezekiel would not be responsible.
Pastors have a solemn duty. They are not CEOs running a business. They are not advice counselors. They are appointed by God to warn people to turn from their sins and be saved. In Acts 20:26, Paul said he was “pure from the blood of all men.” This is a reference to this passage. Pastors need to have the liberty to speak the truth to their congregations. Every church I have known had a “church boss.” This is a layman who thinks he/she knows more than the pastor and they want to direct the church. Generally, these folks are so carnal, but they don’t see it. They genuinely believe they know what is best. They supplant their will over the Scriptures that set forth the order of authority in the local church. May we all encourage our pastors to speak the truth in love that those in sin may turn from their iniquity and be saved from the wrath to come.
The third section is “Hope for the Despairing.” vv. 10,11 God's gracious invitation is found in the last two verses. Those to whom Ezekiel preached felt that judgment had already been passed upon their sins, and that they had passed beyond the point of being redeemed. Ezekiel was to assure them of God's love and intent to forgive. If they would repent and trust Him, they could be delivered from death, and given life instead. These verses portray the loving heart of God and His willingness to forgive. Some men love darkness rather than light. Our duty is to show them the way of life and present the gospel truth that God does not want any to perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Golden Text is: "I have set watchman upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence. " (Isaiah 62:6) To be a watchman requires courage, constancy, vigilance and sobriety. Ministers must "never hold their peace." It is their duty to sound the alarm and warn the people and exhort them. There should be no pauses in sounding the alarm and warning of the dangers of sin. This is for all believers, not just for those called to the ministry.
My summary points:
1. The watchman must sound the alarm and warn people of coming danger.
2. If the minister fails to warn the people, their blood will be on his hands.
3. God desires all men to repent and be saved.
Next week, "The True Shepherd." Ezekiel 34: 11-26
Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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