URBAN APOLOGISTS AS THE WATCHMEN
Ezekiel was appointed by God to be a watchman. A watchman's job was to warn people of a coming enemy so they can seek protection. THE URBAN APOLOGIST'S JOB IS TO WARN THE CHURCH OF DANGEROUS HERESIES!
THE INTERPRETATION OF THE WATCHMAN
“If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.” EZEKIEL 3:18
In the final post on our Ezekiel study, let’s look at the phrase: "his blood I will require at your hand". " In what way and to what degree is a person guilty for not warning of impending wrath?
"What Ezekiel heard belongs to all teachers of the Church, namely, that they are Divinely appointed and placed as on watchtowers, that they may keep watch for the common safety of all. It was the duty of those who have been appointed from the beginning ministers of the heavenly doctrine to be watchmen."
Ezekiel 18:1–20 shows that each sinner is responsible for their own sin. Yet, there is still a sense in which leaders are held accountable. What about the phrase "you will have delivered your soul”? How does one deliver their soul if this warning takes place?
“But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.” EZEKIEL 3:19
This phrase refers to the idea that the Watchmen, such as Ezekiel, are not to be held responsible for the warned persons actions. This does not mean the watchman does not care, or that they cease from relaying the Lord’s warnings. It does mean that Ezekiel had already done his duty in obedience to God. We must do the same now.
There are more references to watchmen in scripture. Isaiah 62:6 helps clarify the role of the prophet as a watchman. Other passages, such as 2 Samuel 18:24–27, 2 Kings 9:17–20, and Ezekiel 33:1–16 show the work of a watchman vividly. The watchman’s function can also be found in Jeremiah 4:5, 6:1, 17; Hosea 8:1, 9:8; Amos 3:6; Habakkuk 2:1; Nehemiah 11:19; Psalm 127:1; Isaiah 21:6, 52:8, 56:10, 62:6; Song of Solomon 3:3, 5:7.
In the New Covenant scriptures, check out Paul's speech to the Ephesian elders, especially in Acts 18:6 and 20:26. This why James 3:1 tells us: "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment (or, greater condemnation)". The word “watchman” is not mentioned in the NT but 1 Timothy 5:22 and 1 Peter 5:2 may be seen as New Covenant “counterparts” to the watchman.
Taken together, these passages help us better understand Ezekiel's role – and now our role – as a watchman.
THE APPLICATION OF THE WATCHMAN
This serves as a background to help us understand this passage better. What does Ezekiel 3 mean for our day? Well, even though we are not living in theocratic Israel, the church is God’s people.
For modern day church leaders, the phrase "his blood I will require at your hand" may be partly understood in the same sense as 1 Corinthians 4:1–5. The Apostle Paul signifies there is a loss of potential eternal reward, but not loss of eternal life. Still, this is a sober reminder of our duties before the Lord.
There is a hint of Ezekiel 3 also found in Hebrews 13:17: "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you."
This applies especially to the pastors of today, no doubt, but all Christians should act as “mini-shepherds” under the main shepherd, for we are his “under shepherds”!
While we all have different gifts and callings, isn’t there a sense in which all modern Christians should strive to be aware of environmental challenges and then warn our brothers and sisters what is happening around us? Therefore, we should all take this duty seriously. Be a watchman or a watchwoman for the Lord and his people.
Be sure to listen to other wise “watch people”. You are not the only watch person around! No one can see all the way over the wall in all directions at all times. We need each other. In this way, we have each other’s backs. “I look this way, you look that way.” is the move.
In Ezekiel's day, he railed against the bad or false shepherds of Israel in chapter 34. In our day, we call out false doctrine and false teachers. Urban apologists must act as both cultural and doctrinal watchmen for the church of Christ
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CONCLUSION: APOLOGISTS AND THE CHURCH
CAVEAT TIME! I am not claiming that only Christian apologists have biblical discernment. In fact, sometimes, Christian apologists lack discernment. They may have specialized skill and knowledge which can be very helpful in serving their local congregation. That is not the be all, end all, though. Apologists function best in tandem with the wisdom and guidance of local church leadership. Ministry is supposed to be a team effort.
We must remember 1 Corinthians 3:7-9: “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building”.
Ultimately, ministry is serving together under the Triune God for the glory of the Triune God. Apologists, like all Christians, are supposed to be submitted and contributing to a healthy and well-balanced church community. An apologist is not supposed to be a one-man or one-woman show. The best apologists work hand in hand with the elders of their church – in one way or another. We all need each other.
