The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 2 — Section 181

HOMILETICS. Vers. 1-9.-The watchman. Ezekiel here returns to an idea which he has expressed earlier (eh. iii. 17). He stands as a watchman for his people. Every Christian preacher and teacher is in a similar position. The same may be said of every Christian man and woman who knows the peril of sin and has an opportunity of warning the ignorant and careless. I. THE DUTIES OF THE WATCHl/lAN. 1. To watch. In order to serve his people he must first of all see for himself. We can only teach men what we have first learnt. The prophet must be a seer, the apostle a disciple, the missionary a Christian. 'l.'o watch means (1) to be awake while others sleep; (2) to fix: attention while others are listless; (3) to look a.broad while others are satisfied with what they can see at home. The Christian watchman must be spiritually alert; he must not be satisfied with his O\vn notions; he must sweep the horizon of truth ; he must consider the distant and the future, but chiefly that which is approaching and of practical moment. He must look especially in two directions : (1) into the revealed truths of Christianity, to see indica- tions of the principles of life and death; (2) into the actual world, to note its condition. Knowledge of men must go with knowledge of Sclipture. The Christian teacher must not be a mere bookworm or cloistered student; he must know the world-men and affairs. 2. To warn. Having seen danger, the watchman must at once inform the city of the fact. He must wake the slumbering guard, blow the trumpet, or run to the belfry and sound the alarm. '.fhe Christian teacher is to warn_as well as to comfort and exhort (1 Thess. v. 14). II. THE LIMIT OF ms BESPONSIDILITY. The watchman bas but to watch and warn. When he has been quick to detect approaching danger, perhaps at first but as a faint cloud of dust on the horizon, and vigorous in blowing his trumpet to rouse the city, his part is done. He cannot meet the foe in the plain and prevent them from approach- ing the city. Ee cannot man the walls and guard the citadel. He can but blow his trumpet. Further, if the people will not heed or believe him, he cannot compel them to prepare for the conflict. If they still prefer their couches to their swords, the watchman cannot force them to arm. He is not the commander of the city. The greatest Christian teacher is but a watchman. No servant of Christ can compel men to turn from their carelessness and face the stern facts of life. If they will not hearken to faithful expos- tulation, the preacher can do no more for them. They are free, and they must choose for themselves. 1. This is a warning to the careless. '!'hey may refuse to attend. They can fall asleep again, vexed at the rousing trumpet-blast. But if they do this it is at their peril. (1) The danger is not the leas because it is neglected. (2) 'fhe folly and sin of negligence aggravate the faults of those who give no heed to warning. Now they are without excuse. They can blame no one but themselves. 2. This is a consolation/or the faithful watchman. If he is a. true man, he must grieve over his negligent hearers, Still, his Master will recognize his fidemy. III. THE GUILT oir ms NEGLIGENCE. 1. It is failure in a trust. The citizens sleep in time of peril, and no one expects them to be on guard. Dut the watchman's special duty is to be awake aud give warning. He who is entrusted with responsibility is expected to be true to his charge. 2. it is sin against light. 'l'he watchman sees the danger which the sleeping citizens do not perceive. His knowledge adds to his responsibility. His sin is but negative, he gives no false news, he does not play the traitor by opening the gates to the enemy. Yet he is unfaithful. 8. It is negligenca that lturt5 others. It ri~ks a. whole city, We riHk the welfare of all whom we might hdp to saYe, if we fail to warn them. Fear of disturbing their peace is no excuse, 'l'ho OH. xxxnr. 1-33.J 'l'ITE BOOK OF THE PROPHE'r EZEKrnL. 187