Day 10.
Ezekiel 33:7-8 Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.
Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
This is perhaps the most challenging prayer point for our conclusion, as we must consider how to responsibly carry the message forward. Those who see harm or judgement coming and keep silent shall be held accountable. Those who know a cure for a great harm and don’t share it are accountable. Sensualism is a real, powerful and cunning foe, with many enslaved to its service, but our God is more powerful and more cunning and he uses us to bring change and healing and deliverance.
THIS IS NOT LICENSE TO TELL PEOPLE STRUGGLING WITH SAME SEX ATTRACTION OR GENDER CONFUSION THAT THEY ARE GOING TO HELL. Many, perhaps most, have already heard that message in some form or another and for many it has driven them further away from the saving power of God. We must dissuade those struggling with any kind of sexual immorality or confusion from continuing in their sin. Love, community and vulnerability seem to be the most effective ways to dissuade, while angry judgmental words are likely to just push one away. As faithful watchmen, we have an obligation to dissuade effectively and lovingly.
Our Father in heaven, your charge to us to act as watchman and expose the fruitless deeds of darkness, and the consequences of failing at our post are heavy. Give us grace and wisdom and courage to give loving warnings, to create vulnerable communities, to provide places where sins may be confessed and people may be prayed for and healed.