July 31, 2024 - Ezekiel 33-36

Chapter 33 is a reminder (see ch. 3) that Ezekiel is Israel’s watchman.  He’s not the only one.  Time and time again, the Lord has reached out and called to his people.  He says:  “As I live . . . I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (33:11)  God himself watches over his people, constantly calling them back to  himself.

This is God’s gracious word to Israel, and to us: “. . . to the wicked . . . if he turns from his sin and does what is just and right . . . he shall surely live; he shall not die.  None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him” (33:14-16).  There’s the gospel right there!  Right there in the Old Testament!  Of course, the ultimate provision for their forgiveness will be found in another:  “And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them:  he shall feed them and be their shepherd” (34:23).

Watchman, blow the gospel trumpet,

Every soul a warning give;

Whosoever hears the message

May repent, and, turn and live.

Blow the trumpet, trusty watchman,

Blow it loud o’er land and sea;

God commissions, sound the message!

Every captive may be free.   -- Henry L. Gilmour (1885)