Ezekiel 3:18 “When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,” and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die and I will hold you accountable for his blood.”

Talk about a scary verse! We tend to think of repentance as a purely individual thing, but God is saying that if those who know better fail to call others to repentance, they bear responsibility! We don’t want to hear that! This is an explicit condemnation of preachers who never talk about sin, but only about things like “your best life now.” And who warns those preachers? We are all urgently in need of the grace of God! The thing is, it is very true that no one can repent on behalf another person, but we are responsible to “teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” (Colossians 3:16) The Body of Christ is an organism, not an organization, and we are indeed responsible for each other. Of course, this Word to Ezekiel also speaks to the evangelistic imperative, because people will not turn to Christ for salvation unless they know about Him, and with very few exceptions, that means that someone who already knows Him will have to introduce them to Him. And it’s no use claiming inability, because we are all dependent on God working through us. Evangelistic gifting is a real thing, and not everyone has it by any means, but excusing your silence by saying, “I’m not gifted that way” doesn’t cut it with God, as He made very clear to Ezekiel.

Ouch! I may be a missionary pastor, but I have used my lack of gifting as an evangelist as an excuse more times than I could count. I’m not responsible for how the message is received, but I am responsible for getting it out there! Japan is certainly a “target-rich environment,” but then, everywhere in the world is, even ostensibly Christian countries like the US. No one is born knowing the way of salvation, so someone needs to tell them. I am a man of words, but I need to be more intentional in having those words call people to repentance and faith for their salvation. We have been living in this location for 25 years now, and I’m not sure I’ve given a clear Gospel presentation to any of our current neighbors. I have talked about the Gospel with various people across the city who have since died, and they are in God’s hands, with my responsibility discharged. However, there are so many more! I am to be sensitive to every opportunity the Lord gives me to communicate the Gospel, whether in words or otherwise, so that all that He is calling may come into His family, for their salvation and His glory.

Father, thank You for this strong reminder. Thank You for the specific person You brought to mind. I ask for wisdom and anointing so that He may be brought from death to life, and soon, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!