Text: Ezekiel 3:16-21
Memory verse:
“When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Criminal negligence occurs when one person puts others at risk because he fails to exercise a reasonable standard of care, even when he knows it is his duty. It is a punishable offense under the law. Some years ago, a police officer was charged to court for causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life for a 19-year-old suicidal. The police officer didn’t respond promptly after a man sought his assistance concerning the suicide attempt by his neighbour.
Criminal negligence is another implication of not sharing the good news at all or not sharing promptly.
The lepers said, “…This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. “ ‭‭(II Kings‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬). They knew that it was their duty to share the good news and prevent the death of the people of Samaria. They knew they would be guilty of criminal negligence before God if they kept silent and death eventually occurred.
According to our text, God appointed Ezekiel as a prophet over Israel. In ancient times, the watchmen were stationed on top of the city’s walls to spot approaching danger and to sound the alarm. He’s not responsible for the disaster that results if his warning is not heeded. According to our memory text, if he neglects to sound the alarm, God will hold him accountable for the destruction, and he will be guilty of criminal negligence. He will be responsible. The watchmen were to warn the wicked to turn from their wickedness, that is, to change their behaviour or turn from their former beliefs so that God could save them (Isa 55:7).
Today, believers have been commissioned to act as God’s mouthpiece and ambassadors for Christ. We speak as though God were pleading through us; we beg and press sinners, on behalf of Christ, to come back to God and make peace with Him (2 Cor 5:20). We won’t be responsible for their death if we tell them. Like Paul said to the Ephesian elders, “I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.” ‭‭(Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬)
Friends, do you know that God has also set you as a watchman on the walls of your family, neighbours, friends, colleagues, or nation? May you not be guilty of criminal negligence on the day of judgment.

Prayer points
1. Father, let me never be guilty of the death of anyone within my walls, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, I receive grace not to shrink from declaring all that You want people to know, irrespective of the costs, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I will be faithful as a watchman within the walls of my influence.
2. I won’t be guilty of criminal negligence by keeping the good news of salvation from people.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng