"I've got your back!" I love it! It's what we say to each other whether we're a parent of teenagers (I know) or a law enforcement officer (I'm glad I don't know). I joke with my son's best friend about eating his vegetables then whisper to his mom, "I've got your back!"
In Ezekiel chapter 33 God gives Ezekiel charge of Israel's back as a watchman. He has the responsibility of warning the people of coming judgment. If he does his job, the people will bear the weight of their choices. If he fails to warn them then he, personally, will bear the guilt of their demise.
To personalize this and put myself in the place of Ezekiel is frightening. It is a call to personal responsibility for national failure. But this was written to Ezekiel--for my learning (Romans 15:4)--but to Ezekiel for the direct benefit of Israel. How does it relate to me?
You may or may not argue that each of us, personally, bears the weight of our nation's sin. Either way God's warning should be taken seriously. The New Testament gives us further motivation to speak truth: "God...reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. " 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
God has blessed me in incredible, eternal, bountiful ways through the sacrificial life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now, with a heart of love and gratitude, I have the privilege of calling others, not to judgment, but to that same life-giving Source! What a privilege! What a goal! What a passion! I know that I am free from judgment and condemnation (Romans 8:1-3), I have eternal life--now (John 6:47), I live with an eternal perspective and purpose (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10). To know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings compels me to share Him with others (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Whose back do I have? I know Jesus has mine!
In Ezekiel chapter 33 God gives Ezekiel charge of Israel's back as a watchman. He has the responsibility of warning the people of coming judgment. If he does his job, the people will bear the weight of their choices. If he fails to warn them then he, personally, will bear the guilt of their demise.
To personalize this and put myself in the place of Ezekiel is frightening. It is a call to personal responsibility for national failure. But this was written to Ezekiel--for my learning (Romans 15:4)--but to Ezekiel for the direct benefit of Israel. How does it relate to me?
You may or may not argue that each of us, personally, bears the weight of our nation's sin. Either way God's warning should be taken seriously. The New Testament gives us further motivation to speak truth: "God...reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. " 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
God has blessed me in incredible, eternal, bountiful ways through the sacrificial life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now, with a heart of love and gratitude, I have the privilege of calling others, not to judgment, but to that same life-giving Source! What a privilege! What a goal! What a passion! I know that I am free from judgment and condemnation (Romans 8:1-3), I have eternal life--now (John 6:47), I live with an eternal perspective and purpose (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10). To know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings compels me to share Him with others (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Whose back do I have? I know Jesus has mine!
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