Ezekiel 33:1-20
At the beginning of this new section, the LORD reminds the prophet of his responsibility as a watchman (see Ezekiel 3:16-21): to warn the wicked, to urge him to turn back from his wicked way. This is the service also of each one of the Lord’s redeemed, for they know from the Word the seriousness of the present day. If my trumpet gives an uncertain sound (1 Corinthians 14:8) . . . or remains silent, God will provide Himself with another watchman, but I shall have failed in my responsibility and He will call me to account for it. The apostle Paul had faithfully carried out this service at Ephesus, and he could say to the elders of that city, "I am pure from the blood of all men, . . . I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears" (Acts 20:26-27; Acts 20:31).
V. 10 can be applied to all those who have a sense of the weight of their sins, without yet knowing the God who offers pardon. In response to these exercises, the LORD repeats His precious statement of Ezekiel 18:23, "As I live, . . . I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live!" (v. 11). "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).