READING: Ezekiel 31-33
I’m sure I didn’t understand the text in the context of the book of Ezekiel, but I still remember hearing the words. Our pastor was strongly committed to evangelism, and he wanted everyone in the church on board with telling others about Jesus. His goal was good. His motive was right. Still, what I remember more than anything was that I would answer to God if I knew the warnings of judgment and didn’t tell others who then never turned to God. After all, that’s what God said to Ezekiel: “If I say to the wicked, ‘Wicked one, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to warn him about his way, that wicked person will die for his iniquity, yet I will hold you responsible for his blood” (Ezek 33:8). My silence, should I have chosen not to warn others, would lead to my own judgment.
To be honest, that was a primary reason I cranked up my evangelism early in my Christian journey. I had first heard the gospel myself in light of the reality of hell, so I was already sensitive to God’s judgment. In no way did I want to bring God’s judgment on me. I would later learn that my growing love for God and desire for others to know Him should also motivate me to proclaim the Good News, but I don’t want to lose this point: I still need to warn people about coming judgment even as I speak to them about God’s love.
I will indeed answer to God if I’m not obedient in my speaking the truth of God’s Word to others. Disobedience is not a valid option.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: If you were to stand before God today, what would your evangelism show?
PRAYER: “God, give me passion to warn others about judgment.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 34-37