A Word of Warning

I

t happens every Wednesday evening promptly at 6:00 p.m.  No matter where I am in the house, or even if I am not at home, the weather radio in my living room sounds and alarm followed by an explanation that the weather service is conducting its weekly test to make sure everything is in working order.  I have grown accustomed to the sound and sometimes, unless I am really listening for it, I miss the test altogether.

A few weekends ago, however, the alarm sounded on at least three occasions as severe thunderstorms passed through our area bringing with them much-needed rain but unwanted wind and hail.  Early Saturday morning, at approximately 2:00 a.m. the alarm sounded. It pierced the silence and set my nerves somewhat on edge.  A few of the surrounding counties were being warned of severe weather in the area.  My county was mentioned and the voice coming over the airwaves indicated that heavy rain and light hail would be in our area within the half hour.

As if on cue, thirty minutes later the wind grew stronger, the rain fell in torrents, and the clicking sound of ice pellets against my window indicated that hail had also joined the party. The alert instructed us to remain in our houses and if conditions worsened, to seek shelter in the center of the house away from windows.  The wind did not grow that strong and the entire storm passed by in just under forty-five minutes.

Here in Texas, the weather is very uncertain.  It can be gorgeous one minute and life-threatening the next, you‘re just never sure what the next fifteen minutes will hold weather wise.  That’s why I invested in a weather radio so I could be aware of any potential weather threats and could take appropriate action in order to remain safe and sound.

The prophet Ezekiel knew about sounding the alarm in order to alert people to God’s will and commands.  He understood that God had called him to serve as a watchman and to make sure the Children of Israel understood the dangers that surrounded them and the need to heed God’s warning.

In Ezekiel 3:17 we read God’s conversation with Ezekiel, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.”  Ezekiel’s role was clear.  He was to serve as God’s spokesman, to make sure the people of his day understood God’s directives and commands and to communicate them so the people could live in obedience with God’s commands.

So, what does this have to do with us today?  Actually, it has a lot to do with us?  As Christians, we are to set an example for those around us.  We are to share the good news of Jesus Christ on a daily basis, not only by what we say but also by what we do.  People looked to Ezekiel, to the watchman, for God’s direction.  And today, people look at us to see if we are consistently following God and serving as an example for him.  Are you serving as a good watchman on the wall of life today?