Week 36: Watchmen
Weekly Reading:
Ezekiel 23 - 42
Opening Prayer
Father God,
Thank You for Your amazing blessings. We are fortunate to be part of Your family, Your children. Help us be bold in our faith and share You with others. Remove any timidness from our words as we share the blessings You have brought to us all.
Amen
Study
We are often interested in the welfare of others, whether it is our own children, children we volunteer to protect, family members, or team members at work. In one way or another, we have each been responsible for others.
God references the watchmen in speaking to Ezekiel, preparing Ezekiel for the next purpose God has planned for his servant. God calls Ezekiel to be the watchmen for the Israelites (Ezekiel 33:7). God calls Ezekiel to be the messenger of his warning to some wicked people (Ezekiel 33:8). If Ezekiel is disobedient and does not carry out the message, Ezekiel will be held accountable (Ezekiel 33:8). However, if he is obedient and does speak with the wicked people, warning them to change their ways, and the people do not repent and stop their evil ways, God will hold the people accountable (Ezekiel 33:9).
A watchman is like a lighthouse keeper. His job is to keep the lighthouse light bright all night long to prevent the ships from crashing upon the rock, killing the sailors and crew on board. If the keeper is disobedient and does not provide the light to alert ships of the danger that could cause them harm, the keeper is held responsible. However, if the keeper is obedient the ships are warned. Should the captain ignore the warning light, the doom of the sailors on board, and all who have an interest in the ship and are potentially in peril on the rocks and cliffs? The captain will justly be held accountable by either the owners of the ship, the families of the crew, or by death on the rocks.
As caretakers, as mentioned in the beginning of the study, we all have the responsibility to others
No running, you may fall
Let me spot you on the jungle gym while you climb
We do things like buy insurance
We give a coworker a “heads up”
In all we do, we are watchmen all the time.
God calls us also to be watchman to other’s souls. Just like God commanded Ezekiel and Jonah, to warn others, he calls us to do the same.
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 NLT
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT
My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. James 5:19-20 NLT
When a concept is repeated in God’s word we should listen. We are called to look out for one another, to be the watchmen for our brothers and sisters in Christ. I am ready for the challenge, are you with me?
Closing Prayer
Father God,
I know that You have called each of us to watch over others, pray for others, and share Your good news with others. You are all-powerful, all-knowing, all wonderful and we should share this with others rather than being in fear. Your ways are always good for us, and why would we not want that for others? Help us be bold today.
Amen
Homework
Who will you witness to or pray for this week?
