Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
PRIESTS -CALL TO BE GUARDIANS
Bible portion: Ezekiel 33:1-9
Key Verse: V 7 “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.”
Devotion
Key Verse: V 7 “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.”
Devotion
A watchman or sentinel is one who is called to stand guard of the camp and warn of incoming dangers. While others have the luxury of being distracted, the watchman must remain vigilant and focused. This is a position of great responsibility. This is a primary responsibility of those in ministry with the gift or commission of prophesy. We see this in the spiritual lives of the Old Testament prophets beginning as early and Noah warning of the flood all the way to John the Baptist, who is known as the voice crying out in the wilderness. The voice of a watchman is crucial, since it give the alert to the people so that they can take appropriate action to avert impending danger.
Isaiah 56:10 describes a bad watchmen, “Israel’s sentinels are blind, they are without knowledge; they are all silent dogs that cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. A bad watchman is being compared to a dog that remains silent and sleeping, behavior that is contrary to what you expect in a guard dog. A good guard dog will alert the household of approaching dangers by barking loudly.
In today’s passage, we see God appointing the prophet Ezekiel as a watchman or sentinel to be the conduit to God’s people regarding God’s warnings. Ezekiel is appointed by God, “So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” We see how valuable the mission given to Ezekiel and the lever of accountability that the watchman has. Ezekiel is told that if the sentinel sees the sword coming and blows the trumpet and the people take the necessary action, they will be able to save their own lives and if they don’t take action their blood shall be upon their own heads. On the contrary, if the watchman fails to warn the people, although the people would die due to their own iniquity, the watchman would be held blameworthy for their blood.
1 Corinthians 12 lists prophesy as one of the gifts of the Spirit that given the as the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. In chapter 14 St. Paul teaches, “those who prophesy speak to other people for their building up and encouragement and consolation” and “those who prophesy build up the church,.” A watchman most often has the task of delivering bad news and things people may not want to hear
Let us all remember St. Paul’s words, “Now I would like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues”. The importance of a good watchman is as important today as it has ever been. In a world where truth is often suppressed, a watchful guardian is necessary to not speak what itching ears want to hear, but to accurately transmit God’s message. Just as God reminds Ezekiel, the modern day watchmen will be held accountable for the consequences of not conveying God’s warnings and message truthfully.
Isaiah 56:10 describes a bad watchmen, “Israel’s sentinels are blind, they are without knowledge; they are all silent dogs that cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. A bad watchman is being compared to a dog that remains silent and sleeping, behavior that is contrary to what you expect in a guard dog. A good guard dog will alert the household of approaching dangers by barking loudly.
In today’s passage, we see God appointing the prophet Ezekiel as a watchman or sentinel to be the conduit to God’s people regarding God’s warnings. Ezekiel is appointed by God, “So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” We see how valuable the mission given to Ezekiel and the lever of accountability that the watchman has. Ezekiel is told that if the sentinel sees the sword coming and blows the trumpet and the people take the necessary action, they will be able to save their own lives and if they don’t take action their blood shall be upon their own heads. On the contrary, if the watchman fails to warn the people, although the people would die due to their own iniquity, the watchman would be held blameworthy for their blood.
1 Corinthians 12 lists prophesy as one of the gifts of the Spirit that given the as the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. In chapter 14 St. Paul teaches, “those who prophesy speak to other people for their building up and encouragement and consolation” and “those who prophesy build up the church,.” A watchman most often has the task of delivering bad news and things people may not want to hear
Let us all remember St. Paul’s words, “Now I would like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues”. The importance of a good watchman is as important today as it has ever been. In a world where truth is often suppressed, a watchful guardian is necessary to not speak what itching ears want to hear, but to accurately transmit God’s message. Just as God reminds Ezekiel, the modern day watchmen will be held accountable for the consequences of not conveying God’s warnings and message truthfully.
Prayer
Father God, we thank you that you have appointed watchmen to deliver your messages and warnings to us. We pray that you strengthen them to courageously deliver truth. Help us all to have the discernment and wisdom to receive the warnings with open hearts and take the necessary steps to safeguard our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
Jesus Christ is our high priest and our good Shepherd. May He grant us ears to hear his message and obey Him.
Vivin Varughese
The Mar Thoma Church Staten Island.