…I have made you a watchman for the people…

 Ezekiel 3:17, 33:7

We don’t use the word watchman much in present-day-terms, nor do we really appreciate the concept of someone whose entire job is to look out, ahead, in front of….to just observe. In reality, a watchman’s role is broader than this simple definition. There is purpose in the watching.

A watchman stood on a high spot; on top of the city walls, in a tower or on a hilltop so that he could see in the distance. He was to communicate to others the coming of a messenger, the possibility of danger, the encroachment of a spy or even the certainty of foul weather. He had to be trustworthy as he often had the ear of the king, and the safety of the people depended on him.

God appointed Ezekiel as a watchman to the people of Israel. He told him to warn the people of trouble to come. In fact, he held Ezekiel responsible, telling him that if he failed to warn them and they didn’t act, God would hold him responsible of their blood.  Ezekiel would only be rescued if he spoke the Lord’s warning to the people.

God has called us to be His watchmen. We are to watch and warn those around us of sin’s encroachment, of the danger of Satan’s schemes, and the certainty Jesus’ coming again! We must speak truth with courage and confidence. Our focus must be sure and our spirit alert.

Be on guard!  Be alert (Mark 13:33)!

Jill Hardin

All Scriptures are from the Christian Standard Bible.