As I was studying Ezekiel 33 the Lord spoke to me and taught me a lesson about a situation I was in a few weeks ago.
God made Ezekiel a watchman over the people of Israel. He was responsible for being the lookout and messenger to warn the people of impending events by blowing a trumpet. Those who take heed to the sound of the trumpet would live and those that did not would perish (vs. 4-5). But as the watchman, Ezekiel had a choice to make as well. Should he not blow the trumpet and the people aren't warned, they would still die of their sin but the guilt would be on Ezekiel's head. By doing what God has instructed him to do, Ezekiel could save his soul regardless of the people's response (vs. 7-9).
We have all been appointed to be watchmen over each other. It says throughout the Scriptures to spread the Gospel, be the salt and light of the world, and to do unto others. I found myself in this situation a few weeks ago at church when some visitors came. I recognized the man with his family as the gentleman my husband and I were talking to in the supermarket line just a week prior. At the end of service as everyone was leaving I had the chance to extend a hand of fellowship and blew it! Instead I said a simple hello barely making eye contact. (I know, horrible right) Ever since, I haven't been able to get the scene out of my head. That could have been their first trip to church in a long time, or possibly at all. They may have been looking for a new church home. A very simple, "Hi! My husband and I were talking to you the other day at Shop-Rite. How did you enjoy the service..." may have been a turning point for them to receive the Lord's message.
"When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it" (vs.18). That's exactly what I did. I turned away from the righteousness and my spirit was wounded. Because I gave into my own iniquities, being shy and insecure in fear of looking like a fool, failed in my duties as a watchman. I was so afraid of looking stupid if this man did not remember me that I forgot that no matter what, he would have had an example of what it is to be an ambassador for Christ. It wasn't just about trying to get someone to accept Jesus as their Savior; it was also about me growing as a Christian.
Now that the Lord has so lovingly revealed this to me I know He will begin to work in me as I work with Him to overcome my bashfulness. "Now the hand of the Lord had been upon me the evening before the man came who had escaped. And He had opened my mouth; so when he came to me in the morning my mouth was opened, and I was no longer mute" (vs.22).
