Watchfulness of leaders

Introduction:

Holman Concise Bible Commentary Judgment upon Sinful Judah (1:1–24:27)

JUDGMENT UPON SINFUL JUDAH (1:1–24:27)

Ezekiel’s Call (1:1–3:27). Ezekiel’s Vision of God’s Glory (1:1–28). In 593 B.C. the Lord revealed His glory to Ezekiel through an elaborate vision. Ezekiel saw a storm cloud coming from the north. In the midst of the storm four flaming, winged creatures appeared. Each combined human and animal characteristics (much like some of the minor deities depicted in ancient Near Eastern art). Accompanying each creature in all of its movements was a large wheel, the rim of which was filled with eyes. A sparkling platform stood above the creatures’ outstretched wings, which made a deafening sound as they moved. Above the platform was a throne made of precious stone. A human figure, glowing like fire and surrounded by radiant splendor, sat on the throne. Realizing that he was seeing a representation of God’s glory, Ezekiel fell with his face to the ground.

Ezekiel’s Commission (2:1–3:27). The Lord lifted Ezekiel up and commissioned him as a messenger to rebellious Israel. He encouraged the prophet not to fear, even in the face of intense hostility and danger. Ezekiel was to proclaim the Lord’s word, no matter what the response. To symbolize his commission, the Lord instructed Ezekiel to eat a scroll containing words of lamentation and judgment. He promised to give Ezekiel the determination, perseverance, and boldness he would need to stand up to his obstinate audience.

After this encounter with the Lord, the divine Spirit led Ezekiel to the exilic community at Tel Abib in Babylon, where he sat in stunned silence for a week. The Lord then called him to serve as a watchman who would be responsible for warning his audience of God’s impending judgment. Ezekiel was to warn both the wicked and the righteous who were tempted to backslide. If he failed to do so, their blood would be on his head.

No sooner was the commission delivered than heavy restrictions were placed upon it. Ezekiel would not be free to deliver messages of warning wherever and whenever he desired. The Lord instructed him to enter his house, where he would remain confined and incapable of speech. He could only leave his house or speak when specifically directed by the Lord to do so. These restrictions would be an object lesson to God’s people that their rebellion was making it increasingly difficult for Him to communicate to them.

Leaders are required to be watchful

Ezekiel 3:17 KJV 1900

17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

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Ezekiel 33:7–9 KJV 1900

7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

They are accountable to God to warn the wicked of there sins

Ezekiel 3:18 KJV 1900

18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

They are accountable to God to warn the righteous of there sins

The New King James Version Chapter 3

20 “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.”

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Mark 13:34–35 KJV 1900

34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Hebrews 13:17 KJV 1900

17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

They must warn against false teachers

Elders are called overseers in Acts 20:28; 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:7; 1Pe 5:2.

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Examples of leaders’ warnings to churches

1 Corinthians 4:14 KJV 1900

14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

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Leaders’ watchfulness in prayer

Isaiah 62:6–7 KJV 1900

6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, Which shall never hold their peace day nor night: Ye that make mention of the Lord, Keep not silence, 7 And give him no rest, Till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

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Leaders need to watch over their own lives

Acts 20:28 KJV 1900

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

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Watchmen sometimes fail to be watchful

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