10/09/2007
Ezekiel 3:17 - 19 (HCSB)
17“Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the house of Israel. When you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. 18If I say to the wicked person: You will surely die, but you do not warn him—you don’t speak out to warn him about his wicked way in order to save his life—that wicked person will die for his iniquity. Yet I will hold you responsible for his blood. 19But if you warn a wicked person and he does not turn from his wickedness or his wicked way, he will die for his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
This is an interesting contrast to Isaiah 6, where God asks, "who will go for Us?" In that passage, Isaiah volunteers. In this passage, Ezekiel is clearly appointed.
Israel is in exile, Ezekiel is among the Israelites in Babylon. God speaks to Ezekiel and appoints him "watchman over the house of Israel." In essence, we can say, he was appointed as a pastor over them. And in the following verses, God spells out what Ezekiel is to say. But I find this passage interesting in that Ezekiel is not given the choice. In fact, if he fails to "warn the wicked", he will personally be held accountable. If he does warn the wicked and they ignore the warning, then he is cleared.
I believe this same principle holds true for us; we are in possession of a wonderful gift - the gift of salvation. We are commanded by Jesus to go and teach all peoples.
In this modern world, so many people are calling for tolerance. Christians in particular are being called bigots and intollerant because we refuse to acquiess and let other world-views go on. Some Christian churches are bowing to the pressure and allowing what was once called sin to be excused and even applauded.
I believe that we - each of us is like Ezekiel. We have a responsibility for those in our circles of influence to warn them of what God demands, and to share the simplicity and blessing of the Gospel. If we don't, then we are to be held personally responsible. But if we share, and they refuse, mock, or ridicule us, then we have fulfilled our duty.
Will you live up to your responsibility?
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2007 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
Terms of Usage: This devotional may be copied or forwarded for personal use without permission, but must include the author, publisher, web link, and copyright notice. Use in another published work must obtain permission first.