Today’s Reading, Ezekiel 1-4
Focal Scripture: Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the house of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, give them a warning from me.”
Having a watchful eye is always good. When I visited another country and we were walking around there was a very young toddler who could barely walk, he was naked and alone. I asked the guide if that was normal and he said “we watch out for one another around here.” They had complete trust that watchful eyes would look after the most vulnerable. They were watchmen for those who lived in their city.
In today’s verse we pick up after Ezekiel has seen a vision of the Lord. He has been given instructions and perpetrations for his job as prophet and priest. Here in this verse he is given a major command. He is informed that he will be a watchmen of the nation of Israel. He will have an eye on the people. He will also only speak what the Lord has told him to say. His job is to watch and speak truth.
The implications behind this are massive for believers today! It demonstrates that priest and ministers don’t really have authority they have the responsibility to lead. Ezekiel was not commanding them as he is one in charge. He is speaking to them as someone who cares for them and someone who speaks the words he is told to speak.
If this is not what a pastor should look like today. Pastors don’t have authority to flex. Pastors are to care for the people and tell them what his word says. Far too often pastors will get upset when things don’t go their way or they are not the ones in charge. Biblically pastors are to serve and be watchmen. Pastors speak Gods word and serve Gods people.
The only authority pastors really have is to preach God’s word and let the spirit do the work. Think of how different church would look if the leader became a watchmen and preacher instead of a person who tried to wield authority. Servant hearts and faithful lips will change much in culture and in churches.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Ezekiel 5-8
