We, the Watchmen
Sunday’s Verse:
From Ezekiel 33:8 ESV
“When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.”
I tend not to focus on the Old Testament reading for Sunday sermons. The Gospel tends to drive my thoughts. But today’s OT reading from Ezekiel 33 really hit home. Ezekiel was called by God to be a “watchman” for His people, namely, the one who sounded the alarm when danger approached. It wasn’t just the danger from other countries trying to invade, but also the people’s rebellion by sinning against God, which leads to death.
This verse is sobering because it reminds us that love does not remain silent when someone walks toward harm. To warn a neighbor about sin is not to claim superiority over him. It is to speak as one sinner to another, knowing that we ourselves stand only by God’s mercy. Christian love tells the truth, not harshly or proudly, but faithfully and compassionately.
Yet Ezekiel 33 does not leave us in fear. The Lord declares that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires that the wicked turn from his way and live. That desire reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christ bore the judgment our sins deserve; He died and rose so that those who repent and trust in Him may have life.
We, the Church, therefore have a watchman’s calling: to proclaim both Law and Gospel. We warn of sin because sin is deadly. We announce forgiveness because Christ is merciful. And we speak because the Lord’s Word is the means by which He turns hearts, creates faith, and gives life.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, give us the courage to speak Your truth with humility and love. Keep us from being silent when our neighbor needs warning, and keep us from pride when we speak. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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