Prophecy as we have discovered contains two
critical elements. It has a message of judgment, and it also has a message of
hope. The book of Ezekiel clearly demonstrates both these features. In the
first three chapters, the Prophet Ezekiel was given the unique vision of the
throne of God as he transitioned from the priesthood into the prophetic ministry.
The book of Ezekiel can be neatly divided into three broad divisions. Chapters 4-24 contain messages of judgment for Judah and
Jerusalem. Chapters 25-32 were Ezekiel's messages of judgment for
seven foreign nations that had derided and mocked God’s people. The seven
nations namely were: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre,
Sidon, and Egypt. Finally in chapters 33-48, would be his messages of
hope concerning the restoration of Judah and the temple in Jerusalem.
So far in our reflection, we have completed the first two broad
segments. In chapter 33 we begin our journey into the last and final segment of
the book. Remember, Ezekiel was among the people of Judah in
captivity. God here had redirected his focus on building the people
in exile. It is not difficult to see the hand of the God of objectivity and
purpose. He was getting the people ready to repossess the land after the
specified period of their captivity. What God wanted was for a new people tested
through trials and prepared to live for Him when the time arrived.
The task of getting the people ready would require Ezekiel to be
tough with the people. In doing so, he had to deal with them
sternly. In Ezekiel 33:1-6 God was reminding the prophet that he was his
watchman on the wall of the city. His task was to diligently sound the warning
of approaching dangers. When he had discharged his duty diligently, how the
people responded was not his responsibility. How they respond would rest
squarely on their own shoulders. He would be accountable only if he failed to
discharge his duty. In verses 7-9, God reiterated that whether his warning of
approaching dangers would be heeded or ignored he must carry out his duty with
diligence.
We are all watchmen of God wherever He has placed us. Whether at
home, in school, in our workplaces, or in the marketplace, we must warn people
within reach of our sphere and influence, of the dangers of a life without God.
We are accountable for discharging our obligation but not how our audience will
respond. How each of our audience will respond is his or her own obligation. We
are only required to do what we must do to the best of our
ability. Doing what is required of us is work. Discipline is seizing
every opportunity to do it. Diligence is to do it well every time we are at
it.
No comments:
Post a Comment