The Watchman

"As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, 'Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.' So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them. (Ezekiel 33:30-32)

God called Ezekiel to be a watchman to the nation of Israel. He was to warn the people of the coming judgment and get the people to turn back to God. Even though Ezekiel was faithfully doing what God wanted him to do, many people saw him as just another person. They heard his message and did nothing with it. Instead, they treated his prophetic messages as entertainment.

Each week now, online church services are happening. Many pastors and leaders in these churches faithfully and accurately bring out the word of the Lord.

Most people hear the word of God that is preached or taught and admit that it was a great sermon. Some even shout out 'Amen' and cheer the pastor by typing encouraging comments as he speaks. Many even invite their friends and relatives to listen to their pastor; after all, the message is so nice. However, they do nothing with the message. It's just like another form of entertainment for them.

"….for they hear your words but do not put them into practice." (Ezekiel 33:32)

This is also a prophetic warning for those of us reading Scripture on a daily basis. This verse tells us that we may be reading about what to do, but if we don't do what we know consistently, it's just a waste.

Some time back, I read a newspaper report of how a biker, due to extreme fog at night, could not see an oil spill on the road and drove over it. His bike crashed into the concrete fence. He was thrown off the bike but was miraculously saved without any injuries. He immediately got up, ran ahead and started waving his arms, warning other bikers about the oil spill.

Many saw and heard him and were saved, but some thought he was just another madman waving his arms frantically and drove to their pitfall. Such is the situation spiritually also. We see and hear, but we don't heed.

The heart of God yearns for every human being to be with Him in eternity, and hence He has raised people to warn us and correct us. May we never take them lightly.

1. Father, in the name of Jesus, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me to always put Your word into practice.

2. Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the mentors You have placed in my life to help me fulfil the call upon my life. Help me never to take them for granted.

3. Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to speak Your truth in love to all I meet this day and in the days to come. Amen