The prophet Ezekiel’s life was an illustration to the people of Israel. Ezekiel condemned the nation of Israel for its idolatry and prostitution, for its failure to obey the law God had given to them. God said that because of their sin, they would never be able to keep the Law. For this reason, the nation would be given over to foreign nations. They would not be allowed to mourn over the loss of Jerusalem, just as Ezekiel was not able to mourn over the death of his wife. Yet there would be hope coming. The nations would receive their punishment and God would restore the nation of Israel. He would not hold the sins of the previous generation against the sons and daughters of Israel, but each would be responsible for themselves. He would gather the scattered bones of the nation of Israel together in a united, living body. His Spirit would return to the Temple and Yahweh would again be with His people.

Twice Ezekiel uses the illustration of the watchman for the nation. If the watchman sees danger coming and sounds the alarm, he is not responsible for the people’s indifference. If he sees the danger coming and fails to sound the alarm, he will then be held responsible. To apply this to the believer today, we are to be the watchmen. As a Christian and as a pastor, my duty is to warn the people of the coming judgment and call them to repentance. But if they do not heed my warning and repent, I am not held responsible. It is very tempting to preach only about God’s love and not about His judgment. Perhaps this time of COVID-19 is a form of judgment against the people of the world. My preference would be to preach comfort to the people, but God has called me to preach the gospel, its grace, and its judgment. May I be held faithful to my calling.