‏ Ezekiel 33

* Ezekiel's duty as a watchman. (1-9) He is to vindicate the

Divine government. (10-20) The desolation of Judea. (21-29)

Judgments on the mockers of the prophets. (30-33)

1-9 The prophet is a watchman to the house of Israel. His

business is to warn sinners of their misery and danger. He must

warn the wicked to turn from their way, that they may live. If

souls perish through his neglect of duty, he brings guilt upon

himself. See what those have to answer for, who make excuses for

sin, flatter sinners, and encourage them to believe they shall

have peace, though they go on. How much wiser are men in their

temporal than in their spiritual concerns! They set watchmen to

guard their houses, and sentinels to warn of the enemies'

approach, but where the everlasting happiness or misery of the

soul is at stake, they are offended if ministers obey their

Master's command, and give a faithful warning; they would rather

perish, listening to smooth things. 10-20 Those who despaired of finding mercy with God, are

answered with a solemn declaration of God's readiness to show

mercy. The ruin of the city and state was determined, but that

did not relate to the final state of persons. God says to the

righteous, that he shall surely live. But many who have made

profession, have been ruined by proud confidence in themselves.

Man trusts to his own righteousness, and presuming on his own

sufficiency, he is brought to commit iniquity. If those who have

lived a wicked life repent and forsake their wicked ways, they

shall be saved. Many such amazing and blessed changes have been

wrought by the power of Divine grace. When there is a settled

separation between a man and sin, there shall no longer be a

separation between him and God. 21-29 Those are unteachable indeed, who do not learn their

dependence upon God, when all creature-comforts fail. Many claim

an interest in the peculiar blessings to true believers, while

their conduct proves them enemies of God. They call this

groundless presumption strong faith, when God's testimony

declares them entitled to his threatenings, and nothing else. 30-33 Unworthy and corrupt motives often lead men to the places

where the word of God is faithfully preached. Many come to find

somewhat to oppose: far more come of curiosity or mere habit.

Men may have their hearts changed. But whether men hear or

forbear, they will know by the event that a servant of God has

been among them. All who will not know the worth of mercies by

the improvement of them, will justly be made to know their worth

by the want of them.