Ezekiel 33:1-11 - I have made you a watchman

33:1-9

We are entering a new phase in Ezekiel, in many ways a much cheerier one than that of the preceding chapters, but it begins with a repeat of Ezekiel’s call as a watchman. It is very similar to the call in Ezek 3:16-27.  First, Ezekiel is reminded that he has been appointed by God as a watchman over the people. Specifically he is to warn the people of their sinfulness, and the need to repent. Israel’s biggest problem was not whichever large nation was currently threatening her, but her sinfulness. Sin is the biggest enemy that we face. We need to know that part of the role of the church is to warn people about sin. We also need to know that if we fail in that responsibility then we will be held accountable by God for our failing. The sinner is still responsible for their own sin, whether we warn them or not, but if we do not warn them then we will have to answer to God for our failure.

33;10,11

The Israelites appear to be realising that they are sinful, that their “offences and sins” were weighing them down, and that they were wasting away because of it. Sin is boastful and proud, and our natural inclination is to be most reluctant to tell anyone the truth about sin. But the effects of sin in their lives are utterly harmful, and while they may put on a front of being OK, in reality they are not. They may be at a loss of what to do. They may fear the judgement of God, and if we persist in sinning then we will indeed face judgement. But God does not take delight in “the death of the wicked”, so if the wicked person turns from his ways and turns to God, then God will gladly forgive and welcome that person. There is no reason for anyone to die in their sins.