Ezekiel 33:6
But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.
The picture of Christ’s witnesses as watchmen is both illuminating and daunting. It’s illuminating because it reveals the special worth of our role in the world.
By function, watchmen have to be situated above the whole city. Their elevated position enables them to see more and further than everybody else. Their vantage point is not for pride but for a purpose. Watchmen are not deployed for amusement, fun or sightseeing. It’s not a game!
Likewise, the Word of God says believers are seated in heavenly realms with Christ (Ep 2:6). It also says we are a city on a hill that cannot be hidden (Mat 5:14). Our high position enables us to forewarn our neighbours of the impending judgment of God. It’s not a game!
This metaphor is also daunting because it speaks of our obligation to warn the world. The fact that to share our faith is not an option is scary because of the penalty of neglect. It suggests that many good Christians are guilty before God not because of what they’ve done but because of what we’ve not done. Lord have mercy!
Beloved, I’m not quite sure what it really means for God to require the blood of sinners we haven’t warned at our hands. However, whatever it means, I would rather not find out the hard way at the end of my journey! What will you do?
Pastor Josh