IGNORING TRUTH AND THE CONSEQUENCES 

Ezekiel 33:1-5 

[1] Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 

[2] Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: 

[3] If he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blows the trumpet and warns the people. 

[4] Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword comes, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 

[5] He heard the sound of the trumpet and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. 

OPENING COMMENTARY by Robert 

“THE FOLLOWING IS THE SOUNDING OF THE WATCHMAN’S TRUMPET!” 

Our heavenly Father knows our hearts, and in doing so, he sends us warnings to awaken our soul to those areas we might choose to ignore. As believers, this condition can and does pose future consequences. When we look at Ezekiel 33:5, we see the consequence laid out by the Lord.   

A Watchman’s 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 must 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 Watchman obeys their master’s command, and give a faithful warning; they would rather perish, listening to smooth things. 

Remember, there was a warning issued as a video issued as the sounding of the Trumpet  https://romboughrobert.com/2020/12/17/video-on-luxurious-sin/ identifying how there might be a sin within our walk, and some make rationalizations and justifications for appeasing their fleshly desires while ignoring the warning and bringing consequences into their walk.  

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 his own righteousness, and presuming on his own sufficiency, he is brought to commit iniquity.  

If those who have lived in a rebellious mind repent and forsake their sinful 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. 

In the previous paragraphs, we recognize some of the consequences of ignoring the warnings of the Watchman as God’s servant,

1. Being recognized as a sinner,

2. And as a result, separated from God.

3. Also, exposed as believing in their own minds, their actions are right and justified.  

However, it is revealed that not all would be lost if there is a recognition, change, and repentance for the sins to return to God’s grace.   

Many claim an interest in the peculiar blessings to true believers, while their conduct proves them enemies of God. They call their groundless presumption strong faith when God’s testimony declares them entitled to his threats and nothing else. Those are unteachable indeed, who do not learn their dependence upon God when all creature-comforts fail. 

Let there be universal joy, for God will have mercy upon the afflicted, because of his compassion; upon his afflicted, because of his covenant.

We have no more reason to question his promise and grace than we have to question his providence and justice. Be assured that God has a tender affection for his church and people; he would not have them to be discouraged.

Prayer is the appointed means for obtaining what we need. Pray; pray often; make a business of prayer, and be serious and earnest in it. 

Knock, as he that desires to enter into the house knocks at the door. Sin has shut and barred the door against us; by prayer, we knock.

According to the promise, whatever you pray for shall be given to you if God sees it fit for you, and what would you have more? This is made to apply to all that pray aright; every one that asketh receiveth, whether Jew or Gentile, young or old, rich or poor, high or low, master or servant, learned or unlearned, all are alike welcome to the throne of grace, if they come in faith. 

None are punished by the justice of God, but those who hate to be reformed by the grace of God. As we learned earlier, “being right in our minds” is the path to sin, rejection, and eternal death separated from Yeshua. For me, it would be the living hell. 

There is a liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, in which we must stand fast. But surely, a Christian would never put himself into the power of any bodily appetite. The body is for the Lord; it must be an instrument of righteousness to holiness; therefore, it must never be made an instrument of sin.  

It is an honour to the body that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, and it will be an honour to our bodies that they will be raised. The hope of a resurrection to glory should keep Christians from dishonouring their bodies by fleshly lusts. And if the soul is united to Christ by faith, the whole man becomes a member of his spiritual body.  

A whole believer would never use the following rationalizations and justifications to appease what they believed was right in their minds.  

• Christmas is a wonderful time for spending with family. We are so busy throughout the year; this is really our only chance to get together. 
• Christmas is a great time to witness! People are more open at this time of year, so I use it as an opportunity to share. 
• “Christmas is the only holiday that focuses on Jesus!” 
• “I know Jesus was not born then; I am not deceived. Besides, I am not worshipping any pagan gods, so it is alright for me.” 

[3] If he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blows the trumpet and warns the people. 

[4] Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword comes, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 

[5] He heard the sound of the trumpet and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.