Watchmen of the Church (Message)

In Ezekiel 3:l7, God said to the prophet Ezekiel, 'Son of man, I have made you a 'watchman' for the house of Israel, therefore hear a word from my mouth and give them warning from me'.

Many times in the Bible, the Lord uses the word, 'watchman' to describe the work of a prophet among God's people. God even to this day has called 'watchmen' to speak warning of the coming judgment in these End Times. Believe it! Because, it's truth!

Let's look again at Ezekiel 3:l7 where the Lord is warning the (Nation) of Israel of its many sins against God and His impending judgment coming upon His People....'and give them warning from me'.

These warnings did not come from the mind of any man but it was always God's message delivered through a human servant. This warning is designed to bring people who have turned from God's ways back to Himself. These warnings were and are meant to bring a people and nation to repent and turn again to the God of their salvation. And, watchmen spoke these warnings out of a very strong love for God's people and so were compelled to speak. They were totally sold out to the service of the Lord God. Nothing could stay them from their course.

Onward to verses l8-l9, we see God say, “When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die', and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require of your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul”.

Prophets had the sobering duty to deliver these warning to God's people irregardless of their personal safety or well being. They were compelled by the Holy Spirit of God. Just as was in the time of Israel, God, at this very moment in history is sending forth those once again to speak the Word of Warning to a weak and slumbering church and to a nation that has gone far astray from the Covenant we had made at the Nation's founding. We have seen the result since 9/ll as the veil of protection from God for us has been removed. Unless we repent and turn back to God, judgment can only follow.

Unless we examine our hearts and acknowledge our sin, repent with our whole hearts, and return to God's leading and commands, we will die in our sin and our nation destroyed by the Hand of God through His judgments.

Verses 20-2l goes on to say, 'If a righteous person turned to sin, he would suffer the penalty, but the prophet would also be held responsible for not giving him instruction. If the watchman gave plenty of warning and his instruction and positive teaching, the righteous would understand and return to the right path. We must consider who the Lord is speaking to here. Who are 'the righteous'? Yes, in today's society, it is God's people, the church.

When the watchman gave his message, it wasn't just to point out all of the people's sins and problems.

But, the watchman also gave positive reasons for doing so. He had to show the benefits of abundance and healing that would come both on a personal level and national level if each person would hear, turn back to God and to the blessings that the Lord has withheld due to our sin.

As II Chronicles 7:l4 says, 'If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face, then will I hear them from Heaven and heal their land.'

The watchmen didn't only speak about sin and the problems of society. The watchman was also responsible to share the Good News and Beauty of the Kingdom of God.

Watchmen are a people dedicated to the restoration of all things. (See Acts 3). But, watchmen see what is coming in these End Times. Dark clouds are forming as we ever stray away from God. Satan has only a short time left and his ultimate plan is to be the god of this world with all its evil implications. This leads the watchmen to the towers of God's people and shouting the alarm and shouting warnings from on High. Words like, 'We slumber and God calls us to awaken!' 'Our nation can be saved if we just will repent both within God's House and without.' Again, II Chronicles 7:l4.

With the heavenly warnings such as the recent Blood Moon eclipse as well into eclipses into 20l5,

we have little time to heed the warning. But the Good News is it's not too late!

If we will only listen to these warnings from the Lord of Hosts, we can say along with God in Isaiah 52:7-l0...'Break forth into joy, let us sing together...For the Lord has comforted His people. He has redeemed Jerusalem/ our Nation.

God is calling. The Watchmen will not hold their peace day or night. For the Lord says, 'I have set watchmen on your walls...they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and until He makes (Jerusalem/ or His Bride) a praise on the earth.

The time of the restoration of all things has already begun to be witnessed in our nation. People who have been praying for the Awakening are starting to see the beginnings of the fruit of their prayers as the Lord's hand has begun to move both for good and in judgment.

We have been blessed by God to live in such a time as this. Because, we are the ones chosen to bring in the Harvest of the Lord. I would say many who lived in the past only could wish to be a part of what we have a chance to take part in today.

Rise up, Church! Look within and examine your hearts and let go of any remaining sin in your life. The Lord is looking for a Holy Bride Fit for His Kingdom. Are you walking in the will of God or are you not? God is on the move and Jesus is Coming! Are You?