THE WATCHMAN

In the Old Testament, prophets like Ezekial were given the mandate to bring God's Word to the people. And now, under the new covenant, all Christians are called to be 'watchmen on the wall'. 

The word of the Lord came to me: 'Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 

If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.'  Ezekial 33:1-6 

We as believers are held responsible for bringing people to Christ ... beacons of hope to those grace our lives. In this day and age, the task appears more daunting. The Bible has been summarily rejected by a vast multitude in these 'last days'. But Word of God remains the Weapon with which we have been armed. When wielded properly, lives can be transformed. 

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The impact of today's false prophets (those who purposefully misinterpret scripture for their own gain) has undoubtedly muddied the battlefield. But, if the Gospel of Jesus Christ is conveyed in its purest form, the Holy Spirit moves and souls are won for His Kingdom.  

The watchman’s 'trumpet call' represents the unadulterated proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord, His redemptive act that offers salvation to a lost and dying world, and the approaching day of judgment. The 'call' is meant to be definite, distinct, emphatic, and rousing. It is to grab man's attention ... calling them to repent and surrender their hearts to God. 

A watchman's sole duty is to sound the alarm; the hearers are responsible for the effect it has. Men make excuses for not heeding the message ... One says, 'I don't feel the need'. Another says, 'I did not like the way it came across'. Still, another says, 'I had a personal dislike for the messenger himself'. But many more will say, 'I was too busy and thought I'd get serious about God later'. 

Regardless of the response, you are to be the bringer of 'good news' (that which is found in Christ alone). Those who have never known the Lord and those who once walked with the Him but have gone astray ... they are your mission field, pilgrim.  

Be a 'watchman' ... reach out to them.