THE TRUMPET HAS SOUNDED
EZEKIEL 33:1-5
Introduction:
Did you hear it? The trumpet has sounded and continues to be heard throughout America today. God has sent His Prophet, Preachers and Pastors to sound the warning that JUDGMENT is immanent.
For more than 400 years the Gospel of Christ has been preached on this continent and it still goes unheeded. Consider what Ezekiel was told to say to Israel under similar circumstances:
I. THE WATCHMAN HAS SOUNDED THE WARNING
A. When God brings the sword [JUDGMENT] upon a land, v. 2; Psalm 1:5-6, “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
1. God’s judgment falls on the disobedient, Romans 10:21, “But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.”
2. God’s judgment falls on those who profess to know Him, but their works deny Him, Titus 1:16, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
a. They have removed their heart far from me, Isaiah 29:13, “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:”
b. Don’t be deceived, Ephesians 5:6-7, “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”
c. They will reap what they sow, Galatians 6:7-8, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
B. The office of a watchman established, Ezekiel 3:11, “And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.”
1. They shall know that there hath been a prophet among them, Ezekiel 2:5, “And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.”
2. If he will hear the watchman there is still hope, Psalm 27:9, “Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
3. Those that WILL NOT HEAR him shall die in his iniquity, Ezekiel 3:19, “Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”
II. THOSE WHO NEED NO WARNING
A. The faithful of the land, Matthew 24:45, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?”
1. The eyes of the Lord are on the faithful, Psalm 34:15, “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
2. The Lord upholds the faithful, Psalm 37:24, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”
3. He will never forsake them, Psalm 37:27, “8For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”
B. Those who are vigilant, 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
III. THOSE WHO TAKE HEED
A. Those who fear the Lord, Isaiah 50:10, “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.”
B. Those who know the “secret of the Lord,” Psalm 25:14, “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.”
C. Those who have seen a great light, Isaiah 9:2, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
1. They have seen the Light of the World, John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
2. His glory shall be seen in us, Isaiah 60:1-3, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
3. We are now the light of the world, Matthew 5:14, 16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
CONCLUSION
The watchman has sounded the alarm. Will you hear it and set things straight with the Lord or will you be like many in Israel who would not hear God’s servant as he warned the people?
Heed the watchman and trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour, or rededicate your life to the Lord and show what Christ has done for you. Judgment is coming.