Watchman

​An amazing transformation took place in my three children after one of them was knocked down by a sneaker wave.  They each became exceedingly alert to the size of the ocean waves coming in.  They left the Camp of Careless for the safer land of Lookout.  And one in particular became a watchman.  We could all safely fly our kites knowing he would cry out if the Pacific chose to menace our positions.
 

​Meditation
Ezekiel 3:17--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.
 
Ezekiel was a watchman.  God spoke to him and said:
 . . . Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to the rebellious pagans who have rebelled against Me. The Israelites and their ancestors have transgressed against Me to this day. The children are obstinate and hardhearted. I am sending you to them, and you must say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ Whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.  “But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words or be discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house. But speak My words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.  “And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.  (Eze.2:3-8)

​The mission of the watchman is simple—remain alert and if danger arises, sound the warning!  If the watchman is careless, unobservant, or refuses to speak because he is afraid of the crowd’s response, he is no longer fit for duty.  God held Ezekiel accountable for the lives of his people.  “ If 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”(Eze.3:18).  
​
If God has given you a word, if He has made you aware of waves that could take under someone you know, don’t let that one be swept away because you were too afraid to speak.  Sound the warning!  Will not the one rescued be grateful?  And if your words are met with contempt, disdain or covered ears at least you will have been faithful.  It is not the watchman’s job to convert—that is for the Holy Spirit.  God’s prophets are called to speak His truth.  
 
Inspiration
To him that watches, everything is revealed.—Italian proverb 
 
©1999 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)