Subject – WHO WANTS TO BE A WATCHMAN?
Text – Ezekiel 3:18; Hebrews 13:17 (read Ezekiel 3:16-18)
“At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die, and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.” Ezekiel 3:16-18 (NIV)
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION –
Ezekiel was a Prophet and Priest. Ezekiel’s calling was to watch over the souls of God’s people. Ezekiel also had to proclaim Judah and Jerusalem’s downfall because of their stiff-neckedness, wickedness, and disobedience. Ezekiel dismissed deceptions, denounced false prophets, declared repentance, restoration, and renewal to God’s people (expound).
Even though Ezekiel was deeply wounded over the death of his loving wife, he was not allowed to openly grieve or lament over her death because part of his calling was to act as a sign that Jerusalem would be destroyed without any wailing or lamentation:
“15 The word of the Lord came to me: 16 “Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears. 17 Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache and beard or eat the customary food of mourners . . .” Ezekiel 24:15- (NIV)
Ezekiel really watched and shepherded over the souls of the people then; just as those whom the Lord has put in the position as Shepherds over His sheep today are supposed to be watchmen as well (expound).
Watchman – 6822 tsaphah tsaw-faw’ a primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await: — behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch (-man).
Before a person sets out to becoming what they believe is the glitz and glamour of what they also believe follows being a preacher or overseer, they might want to consider reading the book of Ezekiel. When reading what Ezekiel’s calling entailed, I’m sure that many a person will change their mind; especially those who weren’t sent but instead they just went. As we look at our text for today, I want us to focus on a simple question:
WHO WANTS TO BE A WATCHMAN?
POINTS –
- V. 17 – Being a Watchman meant more than just being a “Lookout.” It meant listening to God, proclaiming God’s words and warning to ALL people (expound).
- V. 18 – Proclaim God’s message to the wicked, and be sure to preach repentance to them and warn them of God’s penalty for their wickedness (expound). Also understand that God is going to hold His Watchman accountable for the person’s blood if they do not do this (expound).
- Hebrews 13:17 – God’s people are expected to respect the leadership of God’s leaders because they will, and MUST give an account to God for their actions (expound).
CONCLUSION –
Beloved, for those who might be disillusioned; believing that being a preacher or pastor is merely about preaching people happy, “rocking the house,” being the head over a great sounding choir, etc. Ezekiel gives an in depth looks into the people and what the responsibility of a true watchman is.