“But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” (Ezekiel 33:6)
This is an interesting statement from the Lord. He is clarifying for Ezekiel the function and responsibility of the watchman. The watchman is to watch for danger and to warn the people if he sees or hears something. Thus, giving the people a chance to find safety. At that point, each person is solely responsible for himself. However, if the watchman does not sound the alarm, the blood of those who were not warned will be on the hands of the failed watchman.
It seems with Ezekiel, the watchman has two roles: 1) to warn of physical danger, and 2) to warn of spiritual danger.
In the case of those who were not warned of spiritual danger, it seems that their blood will be charged twice. First, to themselves because they are sinners. Second, their blood will be upon the failed watchman.
While I don’t believe anyone will be able to point a finger at someone else and say, “I’m a sinner because of him,” I also believe I have an obligation to behave as a watchman who warns sinners of the need to repent.
Father, please forgive me when I fail as a watchman due to indifference or fear of man. Help me to care enough for others that I sound a clear trumpet. Amen.
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