Daily Manna: Warn People Against Sin

Thursday 05, December 2013

TEXT: EZEKIEL 3:15-21

KEY VERSE: “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” (Ezekiel 3:17).

Many times, we desire great privileges, responsibilities and reward. We pick and choose those assignments that we think will lead us to quick realization of these incentives. And because we are not patient enough to wait until the Lord hands us His mandate, most times, we miss the mark of His expectation.

Not so for Ezekiel. The Lord had called him to be a messenger to the people of Israel. But He did not immediately outline his responsibility. It was, therefore, incumbent on him to wait patiently for seven days until the Lord told him the task he was to carry out. He was being sent as a watchman to the Israelites. God would speak to him, and he in turn was to convey the same words to the people of Israel. He would essentially address two categories of people: the wicked and the righteous. He was to warn the wicked and backslider to change their sinful ways and escape God’s judgment. But if they remained adamant and died in their sins despite the warning, God would absolve Ezekiel of blame. But if he failed to warn them to turn from their evil ways and they died in their sins, God would hold him responsible because he failed in his task.

The Lord has called us, essentially to carry out a labour of love for sinners and believers alike. All around us, sinners are sinking deeper into evil and are dying and heading into a doomed eternity. It is our duty, as believers, to warn them of the danger ahead, and hopefully, win them to Jesus Christ. We are also to warn believers against backsliding, irrespective of the pressure they face. If we do this conscientiously, God would appreciate our efforts. But if we fail to do it, we would be guilty of disobedience. The question is: When last did you warn someone against sin?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “He that winneth souls is wise.”

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