So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. Ezekiel 33:7
Today we look a bit deeper at this verse from last Friday and how it affects spiritual leaders; those who God has placed over the spiritual care of others.
These are pastors, teachers, disciplers, fathers, mothers, and Galatians 6:1&2 Christians.
In this study we consider another level that is clearly communicated in this verse but easily missed because we quickly focus on the role of “watchman” and the direct command which says to “warn them”, when we read this verse. The reason being that these are sobering words which evoke to us a sense of urgency and that a great risk is at stake and thus the need for urgent, preventive action. This urgency draws our attention and so we must be intentional to go back and catch the extremely important requirements which are laid out for the watchman to be able to warn those at risk.
We see that there are two. First requirement, is taken from the phrase “I have set thee”. This is an empowering statement that places these (watchman oriented) individuals directly in God’s plan; partnering with Almighty God Himself, to accomplish HIS mission. By the way, an important fact is that God has called all believers, who would be faithful in their walk for Christ, to accept this role. He places these yielded ones directly in the workplace, neighborhood, and family or just to cross the path of those who need a watchman in their lives. Failure to know our charges is due to a failure to intentionally yield to God and then to be alert to the opportunities (duties) God places right in front of us.
The second requirement is to “hear the word at my mouth”. God is sovereign and places the message into our hearts from his Word, the Bible when we connect with it and meditate on it throughout the day. We must intentionally place ourselves in the direct path to hear (audibly or visibly) His word and think on it; then look on how to apply it. This is what enables the watchman to do his appointed warning of others; of being God’s mouthpiece. So, in order to give God’s direction and warning, we must HEAR Him. Put yourself in the place to intentionally HEAR Him.
The essential part of being effectively used by the Lord in this eternally significant role is to ensure we are listening to Him throughout the day; every day. Are you listening? And then are you tuned to and looking for the divine appointment God has give for you to warn others for Him?