Watchman On The Wall, Who Is The Safest Of Us All?

The watchman that fails to shout the warning shall be punished for not doing his duty and for not giving the warning of danger. Because the watchman fails, that soul was surprised with the enemy, and taken away unawares; and therefore the sinful condition of his death shall be blamed on the watchman, and he must be answerable for it.

ILLUSTRATION:

Some years ago a fearful railroad wreck took a dreadful toll of life and limb in an eastern state. A train, loaded with young people returning from school, was stalled on a suburban track because of what is known as a "hot-box." The limited was soon due, but a flagman was sent back to warn the engineer in order to avert a rear-end collision. Thinking all was well; the crowd laughed and chatted while the porters worked on in security. Suddenly the whistle of the limited was heard and on came the heavy train and crashed into the local, with horrible effect.

The engineer of the limited saved his own life by jumping, and some days afterwards was hauled into court to account for his part in the calamity. And now a curious discrepancy in testimony occurred. He was asked, "Did you not see the flagman warning you to stop?"

He replied, "I saw him, but he waved a yellow flag. I took it for granted all was well, and so went on, though slowing down."

The flagman was called, "What flag did you wave?"

"A red flag, but he went by me like a shot."

"Are you sure it was red?"

"Absolutely."

Both insisted on the correctness of their testimony, and it was demonstrated that neither was color-blind. Finally the man was asked to produce the flag itself as evidence. After some delay he was able to do so, and then the mystery was explained. It had been red, but it had been exposed to the weather so long that all the red was bleached out, and it was but a dirty yellow!

Oh, the lives eternally wrecked by the yellow gospels of the day -- the bloodless theories of unregenerate men that send their hearers to their doom instead of stopping them on their downward road!

People of God we must listen to the voice of the watchman! Too many are not hearing the message of judgment that is surely coming. Too many watchmen have allowed their “flag” of the gospel to be watered down and made ineffective through the traditions of men and for the sake of reaching people who will not make a true commitment to Christ.

We have catered to the entertainment hungry Christians long enough. We have weakened the message to keep from “offending” those who come to visit. We have made “living for Jesus” too easy and have not taught the true ways of holiness, righteousness and sanctification. No, works can’t save us, but if we truly love Jesus, we will want to be more like Him. If we truly believe and trust in Him then we will heed the warnings of His Word and preach the truth no matter who is “offended”.

Isaiah 8:14, "And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."