“Now, Son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them from me.” ~Ezekiel 33:7
Ezekiel was among the many people of Judah taken into captivity by the Babylonian Empire. I'd imagine he was in a pretty rough emotional place, lamenting the loss of his former life, the destruction of his homeland, and the enslavement of his people. But God had plans for Ezekiel, and chose him to receive something extremely valuable: the message of God in a time and place where it had been forgotten.
The people of Judah (and Israel, for that matter) had all but given up on their Lord and Deliverer. Despite having seen His incredible power at work in every facet of their heritage, they had turned from God, neglected His commandments, and chosen to serve their own man-made idols in place of the omnipotent Creator. As unfathomably foolish as that may seem, I'm often surprised by how relatable their choice is to our lives today . . . but that's another post for another time.
In being bestowed with the words of God and given the commission to share them, Ezekiel was made a watchman—a guardian of his people. An ambassador for God and His message. But what about us? Haven't we been given God's words and gospel message in a time of mankind's enslavement to sin?
If that's the case, then it brings Ezekiel's calling very close to our homes and hearts. Because we are watchmen. We are guardians. We are called to warn the world around us of the judgment that waits at the end of this life, and the beautiful salvation available to all those who choose to accept God's free gift.
Don't believe me? Check out II Corinthians 5:20.
So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God.”
If anyone has been grappling with the lie that we as Christians have no role to play, these verses should renew your spiritual purpose and revitalize your strength. Because we are not placed where we are by chance. We are not placed where we are merely to survive our Christian walk and one day cross the finish line to claim our heavenly prize. We are not placed where we are to enjoy ourselves in our time on earth and hoard God's gift of forgiveness for ourselves.
We are placed here—in our lives, in our towns, in our schools—to be Christ's ambassadors, to share his truth, by speaking, by living, and by praying. We are his watchmen, so let's stand guard and fulfill our role in calling the world's eyes to him.