Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Holy Ordination-Priest: Called for a divine ministry
Ezekiel 33:1-9
Ezekiel 33:1-9
v6 "...but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood."
Ezekiel was called by God for ministry at a time when there were conflicts among nations; Jerusalem had been captured by the Babylonians and Ezekiel was living with his fellow exiles in Babylon. God called Ezekiel to be a watchman for Israel to warn them to turn back to God from their sinful ways. God holds him accountable for their lives and his duty was to watch out and instruct them to return to God’s path. Whether they heeded his warnings or not was up to them entirely. His calling is compared to the role of the watchman positioned on the city wall to warn the in dwellers of any potential dangers. It was not a comfortable task but failure to do so at a crucial time would bring about invasion and plunder of his city and he would be held accountable. Hence the watchman had to be alert, faithful and courageous as the safety of many people rested with him.
In what ways are we called to be watchmen today? As Christians we are to be alert to the shifting ideologies of the world, remain rooted in God’s Word and be courageous to lovingly warn the people God has placed in our lives if we see them in spiritual danger.1 Thess 5:21-22 says But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. To think biblically in all areas of our life helps us to live uncompromisingly in this world and also to have the wisdom to help others through the infallible Word of God. In 2 Timothy 2: 16 -17 it says - “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work “, so to stand firm in our convictions and warn others we need to train ourselves to continually read, learn and meditate on God’s Word. Also in Galatians 6:1.it says -- Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that persongently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. It is all too common we react harshly to those who have erred but God calls us to restore them gently with full understanding of our own weaknesses. Wherever God has placed us in positions of authority whether at home, in church, in our workplaces or in the community we live in, we are accountable to Him to live in a manner worthy of His calling and also to instruct, teach and correct in gentleness. So let us seek to be God’s faithful watchmen in our world today.
In what ways are we called to be watchmen today? As Christians we are to be alert to the shifting ideologies of the world, remain rooted in God’s Word and be courageous to lovingly warn the people God has placed in our lives if we see them in spiritual danger.1 Thess 5:21-22 says But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. To think biblically in all areas of our life helps us to live uncompromisingly in this world and also to have the wisdom to help others through the infallible Word of God. In 2 Timothy 2: 16 -17 it says - “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work “, so to stand firm in our convictions and warn others we need to train ourselves to continually read, learn and meditate on God’s Word. Also in Galatians 6:1.it says -- Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that persongently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. It is all too common we react harshly to those who have erred but God calls us to restore them gently with full understanding of our own weaknesses. Wherever God has placed us in positions of authority whether at home, in church, in our workplaces or in the community we live in, we are accountable to Him to live in a manner worthy of His calling and also to instruct, teach and correct in gentleness. So let us seek to be God’s faithful watchmen in our world today.
PRAYER
Loving Lord, we thank You for Your Word which contains all that we need to live godly lives. Help us to seek You at all times and to obey your voice even in the midst of challenging situations. May our words and deeds be an encouragement to others and our lives glorify Your name always. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Your daily work is ultimately an act of worship to the God who called you and equipped you to do it- no matter what kind of work it is – Timothy Keller
Mrs.Mini Mathew
Madras Marthoma Syrian Church, Chetpet, Chennai, India
Loving Lord, we thank You for Your Word which contains all that we need to live godly lives. Help us to seek You at all times and to obey your voice even in the midst of challenging situations. May our words and deeds be an encouragement to others and our lives glorify Your name always. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Your daily work is ultimately an act of worship to the God who called you and equipped you to do it- no matter what kind of work it is – Timothy Keller
Mrs.Mini Mathew
Madras Marthoma Syrian Church, Chetpet, Chennai, India
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church