ODJ: alarmed
September 26, 2010
If the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible (v.6).
READ: Ezekiel 33:1-20
Crouched on the floor amid rows of lockers, the young students lowered their heads to their knees. Barely bothering to kneel, the older students followed the minimal requirement without giving the warning any serious thought. Although they were glad to miss class, the tornado drill was little more than an inconvenience affecting their comfort and rumpling their clothing. In their minds, there was no real threat and thus no need to remain in their protective positions.
Unfailing in its promises, God’s Word assures us of Jesus’ certain return (John 14:3). For many of us, His coming is greatly anticipated. But not everyone will consider it a joyous reunion (Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Peter 3:10). Like students who see a tornado drill as pointless on a beautiful day, we can easily become lulled into a place of complacency regarding Christ’s eventual return. Exposing this age-old temptation, Peter wrote, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (v.9).
Not only must we be diligent to be prepared for “the day of the Lord” (v.10), but as those who find our hope in the cross we also bear a responsibility as watchmen (Ezekiel 33:6). God won’t tolerate complacency in our relationship with Him (Revelation 3:15-16). Nor will He overlook our willingness to walk past those lost in spiritual death.
We sometimes buy the enemy’s lie that all is well and to be serious about God’s business isn’t really necessary. Focused on our own comfort, we relax our position in kingdom warfare, and all the while the unseen enemy creeps in without the alarm being sounded. Sound it today—those who will “die in their sins” need to hear. —Regina Franklin
Knowing that Jesus’ return is imminent, are you speaking the truth in love to those around you? What holds you back from sounding the alarm?
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