"The Watchman on the Wall: Called to See, Speak, and Stand."

Text: Ezekiel 33:1–7 (NKJV)

“Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman, when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people…’”— Ezekiel 33:2–3

🧱 1. The Origin of the Watchman: Appointed by God, Not by Man

In ancient cities, thick walls protected the people from danger. On those walls stood the watchmen—appointed individuals whose eyes were trained to scan the horizon. They did not sleep while others slept. They did not speak unless they saw something worth sounding the alarm over. Their position was not a place of popularity—it was a place of responsibility.

God told Ezekiel, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.” (Ezekiel 3:17, NKJV)

This is not a self-appointed role. A true watchman is called by God, set on the wall on purpose, for a purpose.

🗣 2. What It Means to Be a Watchman

Being a Watchman means three things:

A. You See What Others Don't

You’re positioned higher—not for pride, but for perspective. You are given spiritual insight to discern danger, deception, or decline before it reaches the camp. You see the storm before others even feel the breeze.

“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12, ESV)

B. You Speak What God Says

The Watchman does not remain silent. His job is not to please the people, but to sound the trumpet. Whether it’s a word of warning, a call to repentance, or an announcement of hope—he speaks only what he hears from the Lord.

“If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet… his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.” (Ezekiel 33:6, NKJV)

C. You Stand When Others Sleep

A Watchman must be alert while others are comfortable. He’s awake when others are distracted. He is faithful, not famous. And he often walks alone—because the wall isn’t crowded.

🛡 3. The Responsibilities of a Watchman

A. Intercession and Prayer

The Watchman isn't just shouting warnings—he’s weeping over the people. He stands in the gap. He cries out on behalf of a nation asleep at the wheel.

“I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land…” (Ezekiel 22:30, NKJV)

B. Sounding the Alarm

When deception is being normalized, when sin is celebrated, when the church grows lukewarm—you speak up. Not in arrogance, but in obedience. You cannot remain silent when the Lord says, “Speak!”

“Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression…” (Isaiah 58:1)

C. Pointing People Back to the Word

Your authority is not your opinion—it is God’s Word. You don't guide with a political preference or a personal vendetta. You remind people what thus saith the Lord. That’s what keeps a Watchman faithful and accurate.

D. Bearing the Weight of the Wall

It’s lonely. It's exhausting. And sometimes, it feels like no one is listening. But your reward is not from men—it’s from God.

“But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn… you have delivered your soul.” (Ezekiel 33:9)

🔥 4. A Final Word of Encouragement: Keep Standing

If you are a watchman, the wall can be a lonely place—but it is also a sacred place. Others may enjoy the comforts inside the city. But you were made to see further, speak louder, and stand stronger. You’re not watching for likes—you’re watching for lives.

🧎‍♂️ Closing Prayer:

“Father, thank You for the call to watch. Thank You for eyes to see, ears to hear, and courage to speak. Help me remain faithful on the wall—even when it’s hard, even when it’s lonely. Give me boldness without pride, truth without compromise, and love without fear. I do not take this position lightly. May I be found faithful when You return. In Jesus' name, amen.”