Understanding God’s Call to Be a Watchman
In the book of Ezekiel, God establishes a powerful principle that applies directly to every Christian today: the calling to be a watchman. This ancient role carries profound significance for modern believers at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes and Christians everywhere.
What Is a Watchman?
A watchman in biblical times stood on the city wall, scanning the horizon for approaching danger. Their singular responsibility was to sound the alarm when threats appeared. God told Ezekiel that if he saw danger coming and failed to warn the people, their blood would be on his hands. However, if he faithfully delivered the message and people chose not to listen, he would not be held accountable for their response.
This principle transforms how we understand our mission as Christians today.
Your Responsibility: Share the Message
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us through our “Just 3” commitment: Study, Share, and Serve. The watchman principle speaks directly to the “Share” component—knowing and loving others by connecting them to Jesus.
It’s Not About the Response
Here’s the liberating truth: Our job isn’t to decide what soil the seed falls on. We’re not responsible for controlling how people receive the gospel message. We don’t need to wait for perfect timing or ideal circumstances when someone might be more receptive.
Our job is simply to be faithful watchmen—to proclaim the Lord until He comes again, regardless of the outcome.
Jesus taught this principle in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9). The farmer scattered seed on all types of soil—hard paths, rocky ground, thorny patches, and good soil. He didn’t analyze each spot first or only plant where conditions seemed perfect. He faithfully sowed everywhere, trusting God with the results.
Overcoming Fear and Obstacles
Many Christians hesitate to share their faith because of:
- Fear of rejection – What if they say no?
- Fear of isolation – What if this damages our relationship?
- Fear of inadequacy – What if I don’t have all the answers?
- Fear of consequences – What if there’s a cost to speaking up?
The watchman calling addresses these fears directly. Ezekiel’s responsibility wasn’t to guarantee people would listen—it was to faithfully sound the alarm. When we understand this, it removes the pressure of results and places the focus where it belongs: on obedience.
Second Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
The Cost of Silence
God’s warning to Ezekiel was sobering: if the watchman sees danger and remains silent, blood is on his hands. While we’re saved by grace and not works, this principle reveals the weight of our calling.
People around us face eternal danger without Christ. Romans 10:14 asks, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
We are that someone. Our friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors need to hear the gospel—and we may be the only Bible they ever read.
Your Mission: Connect People to Jesus
At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe every Christian is called to be a watchman. This means:
Study – Know God’s Word so you can share it confidently Share – Connect people to Jesus regardless of fear or potential rejection
Serve – Demonstrate Christ’s love through action
Your mission isn’t complicated: proclaim the Lord until He comes again. Share your testimony. Invite someone to church. Have spiritual conversations. Sound the alarm about the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Don’t let fear silence you. Don’t worry about controlling the response. Just be faithful to deliver the message—God will handle the rest.
The watchman’s call is clear: Will you sound the alarm?
