The Watchman

"Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me." - Ezekiel 33:7

Regardless of who the judge might be – whether child, spouse, co-worker, stranger, father, or mother -nobody likes to be criticized. Oh sure, we’ll invite what is called “constructive criticism,” but even then it is a way to help ourselves gain praise, and thus better avoid criticism. I’ve seen many occasions when a person invites constructive criticism, only to take offense once the criticism is leveled.

The other side of this is how often people refuse to criticize, knowing it is not their place, and that love requires refraining from comment even though it is plainly evident some criticism is due. This is fine, but this can be tricky, too, because truly there are times when a warning can save your neighbor’s life, both in temporal and eternal terms. LORD, grant us Your mercy in dealing with others.

And of course there those who shoot off their mouths at every perceived weakness, but most often, rather than direct their comments to the “offender,” make it easy on themselves by telling it to someone else. It’s called gossip, and is no less damnable than idolatry, murder, covetousness, or sexual immorality.

It is important to understand that the verse above pertains chiefly to those who hold the office of Pastor today. Every faithful teacher, prophet, apostle, evangelist, and pastor is duty bound not merely to level criticism, but to point out in no uncertain terms where there is sin.

This is far more potent than mere criticism, because it brings with it the weight of God’s Law, which is perfect and will indeed be executed impartially, no matter how important the recipient of the accusation thinks himself to be, and believe me, the Pastor takes to heart very keenly how accusations of the Law apply to him, too.

For that reason, every faithful teacher, prophet, apostle, evangelist, and preacher trembles under the office they have as God’s own mouthpieces. When you hear a faithful Pastor’s rebuke, consider the source. He does this according to his office, just like Ezekiel was given to do. If he is silent about sin, whether yours, or any at all, it is time to find another Pastor.

But also consider the purpose. It is not the way of a faithful Pastor to follow people around and point out every little thing they do wrong according to the Law. Rather, to them it is given chiefly to make known the ways we sin both as individuals, communities, nations, and even as God’s capstone of creation, and from it the pain of accusation will come soon enough. When you hear accusations against you, consider the source. Is it the Word of God through a faithful servant of His? Good!

Those same faithful teachers, prophets, apostles, evangelists, and preachers are also God’s mouthpiece to declare you innocent in no uncertain terms, because Christ Jesus, God’s own Son, bore the sin of the world in His own body unto death, and for your sake is risen from the dead. “I will remember their sin no more.” “I, the LORD, will be your righteousness.” “I will save you.” “I am here.” “I AM.”

God is so intent on saving you and bringing you to Himself that he sent Pastors to warn you of sin, and to comfort you with the certain hope that He is not far off, but dwelling with you bodily, making you a branch grafted into the living Vine, which is Christ Jesus, your dear Savior.