Sun.’s Devo - Watchmen

Read: Ezekiel 33:1-34:31; Hebrews 13:1-25; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 27:21-22 Watchmen were people selected to stand in the towers or on hills and watch for the enemy so they could warn the people. God told Ezekiel that this was his job as a prophet. He was to listen to the Lord and tell the people and warn them of what was coming. If he obeyed and warned the people and told them why the enemy was coming, then he would be protected. But, if he didn’t warn them, then what was coming for the people would kill him also and God would hold him responsible. *** There were several scenarios of what might happen. The people might repent and then God would not bring the destruction he had warned them of. This was the case with Nineveh when Jonah warned them. They did repent and the city was saved. But, 200 years later they turned back to their sins and God did bring the destruction that Jonah had warned them of. *** Jerusalem fell two months before Egypt fell. A survivor came to Ezekiel in Babylon and told him the news. God had shut Ezekiel’s mouth so he couldn’t speak, but God opened it so he could speak to this man. Then, God told Ezekiel to tell the people that though they felt entitled to the land of Israel because of Abraham, their sins had caused them to lose their right to ownership of the land. God had destroyed the land because of their sins. *** The people talked about Ezekiel and were entertained by his prophecies. They were only interested in getting rich. He condemned the ones who spent all their wealth on themselves and neglected the poor and needy. They were like shepherds who didn’t care for their flock. These greedy people had now become God’s enemies. *** God will find his sheep scattered all over the will and bring them back hime to their land of Israel and care for them. He will give them peace, comfort, healing and justice. God will separate the sheep from the goats and judge them according to their deeds. God will give them a shepherd like David and give them a covenant of peace. God will shower them with blessings an they will no longer be a prey to other nations. Their land will become famous for God’s abundant blessings. *** Hebrews encourages us to love everyone as if they are our brothers or our sisters. Entertain strangers. Honor our marriage and remain faithful to our spouses. Don’t love money and be happy with what you have. *** This world is not our home. Our lives are to be a continual sacrifice of praise and devotion. We are to share our blessings with others. God will equip us with what we need to carry out our purpose on the earth. *** Lord, may we have clear consciences and live honorable in everything we do. May your grace be with us all.