09/08/2026
At Sunday's service, our canon, Rev. Bob Hudson, offered insight on a challenging text from the prophet Ezekiel. In the 33rd chapter of the prophet's writings, we see an urgent warning: The role of the "watchman" is not to be taken lightly, and there are real consequences for failure to both issue and heed warnings given from the word of God.
The watchmen have a solemn duty to proclaim warnings in the name of the Lord. The hearers have a duty to heed and act on the warnings to save themselves and others from destruction. In a time when truth is proclaimed to be relative and issues of the soul are disregarded, the prophet's words should call us to a sober frame of mind. The kindness of God extended to us and others should be all the more reason to turn to Him.
We know that He alone is the only refuge. We know that He alone can save. We know that He freely welcomes those who turn to him in true faith and repentance. As we go through our week, may we soberly evaluate these challenging words and take them to heart, lifting our hearts to God in thankfulness that He has stirred our hearts to respond through Christ.
Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. - 2019 Book of Common Prayer