The watchman
Day 419, Saturday, Oct. 4
Ezekiel Chapters 32 – 33
Ezekiel’s call as a “watchman” is renewed in chapter 33, and he is reminded that all are responsible for their own salvation or condemnation.
The one who is righteous but turns away will be condemned. The one who is sinful but repents will be saved.
Ezekiel, as the watchman or prophet, will be judged on whether or not he conveys God’s message. If he fails to deliver it and the people are sinful, he is condemned. But if he delivers it faithfully and the people are sinful, their judgment is their own.
At the end of chapter 33 we see God cautioning Ezekiel that the people will want to listen to his words but they will not take heed of what he says.
In verses 31-32 we read, “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.”
This is a word of caution for us as Christians. It is not enough to speak of love and then let our lives be ruled by worldly concerns. Rather we are to live a life ruled by love.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Saturday meditation

Job 42:1-6
Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

Prayer focus
Lord, let us live a life ruled by love.