CALLED TO BE WATCHMEN IN A FALLEN GENERATION By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"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."
— Ezekiel 3:17 (NIV)
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Introduction
In every generation, God has raised men and women who serve as spiritual sentinels—His watchmen. These are individuals who are not content with the status quo of religious tradition or casual faith but are instead ignited by divine burden. Watchmen are appointed by God to see, to discern, and to warn. In today’s message from the Lord, there is a passionate plea from the heart of the Father calling forth watchmen—faithful, courageous, and unrelenting voices—who will stand in the gap, sounding the trumpet of repentance amidst a world increasingly captivated by wickedness, spiritual apathy, and religious corruption.
The times we live in are perilous. Sin has infiltrated not only the world but also the Church. Shepherds who should lead with righteousness have become lovers of pleasure, entertainment, and personal gain. The moral decay around us is not simply the result of darkness prevailing—it is also due to the silence of those who are supposed to speak.
This lesson is a clarion call for believers, especially those with insight into the times, to rise up and fulfill their God-given duty to be watchmen. It outlines the responsibilities, dangers, and blessings associated with this calling. It exhorts all who hear the Spirit’s voice to refuse complacency and to embrace the sacred task of sounding the alarm for a dying world.
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The Divine Assignment of the Watchman
"But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood."
— Ezekiel 33:6
God’s calling to the watchman is not a ceremonial title—it is a burdened position of responsibility and urgency. The watchman is one who is stationed on the walls, seeing danger before others can. He or she is entrusted with the task of warning both the wicked and the righteous who have veered off the path.
This responsibility is divine in origin. It is not self-appointed nor motivated by ambition but born from a revelation of God’s heart for lost souls. The watchman serves not as a judge, but as a vessel for truth, calling people to repentance and reconciliation with God.
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Failure of Modern Shepherds to Watch and Warn
"His watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber."
— Isaiah 56:10
Today, many spiritual leaders have abdicated their watchman responsibility. Instead of watching over souls, they are preoccupied with “fun, food, and fellowship.” They have adopted a culture of comfort, entertainment, and convenience rather than standing for truth, warning against sin, and preparing the Church for eternity.
This neglect has led to devastating consequences. Souls are perishing daily without warning. The shepherds no longer cry out against sin because they themselves have compromised. Their silence has given way to deception, and many follow blind guides into destruction.
The erosion of godly conviction among leaders is a reflection of misplaced priorities and hearts that have strayed from intimacy with God. A watchman cannot sound the alarm if he is asleep, and he cannot cry out if his voice is silenced by fear, pride, or greed.
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You Are Called to Be a Watchman
"Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins."
— James 5:20
If God has opened your eyes to the spiritual danger around you, then you are called to be a watchman. This is not limited to pastors or prophets—it includes every believer with a burden for truth. To know the dangers ahead and to remain silent is not only disobedience—it is spiritual treason.
God does not expect His people to become indifferent observers while the world plunges deeper into sin. Rather, He calls them to action. Even when personally burdened or afflicted, the true watchman must not withhold the warning. God requires faithfulness in season and out of season.
The blood of others can rest upon our hands if we refuse to speak. The Word is clear: silence in the face of clear danger is not neutrality—it is complicity. True watchmen, even when weary, still declare the truth.
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Beware of False Watchmen Motivated by Greed
"They are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each one to his own gain, from every quarter."
— Isaiah 56:11
Not all who claim to be watchmen are true. Some are imposters—motivated not by love for souls but by profit. These religious merchants are hawking survival goods and false comforts, all while neglecting the only thing that matters: the eternal destiny of souls.
These individuals are not watchmen but wolves. They care more for offerings and sales than repentance and holiness. They present themselves as caring voices, but their messages lack the piercing truth of God’s Word. Their “warnings” are tailored to preserve their platforms and pocketbooks—not to save souls from hell.
God exposes these frauds and calls true watchmen to separate from them. Do not partner with greed-motivated ministries. Their gospel is a market, their church a business, and their followers merchandise. The true watchman must remain untainted and set apart.
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Endure Corruption Without Quitting
"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9
Corruption in religious systems is not new. Even during Jesus’ ministry, the priesthood was steeped in selfishness and hypocrisy. But Christ did not quit, and neither should we. The presence of evil must not discourage or silence the faithful.
Watchmen must remain steadfast, enduring opposition, rejection, and isolation for the sake of righteousness. The call to repent must be shouted in the face of indifference and resistance. If sinners do not repent, they will perish—and their blood will not be on our hands if we warned them.
Remain faithful. You are not alone. Just as Jesus was upheld by the Father, you are empowered by the Spirit to keep declaring truth without compromise.
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The Honor of Bearing the Burden of the Lord
"And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
— Romans 10:15
To proclaim the truth in a perverse generation is a sacred honor. God does not entrust His Word to just anyone. When He calls you as a watchman, He is inviting you into partnership with Him. You become His mouthpiece—His voice crying out to a lost and dying world.
The role of the watchman is not glamorous. It is often misunderstood, lonely, and met with hostility. But it is a divine calling, and those who embrace it are promised strength, clarity, and reward.
Your voice matters. Your message matters. The souls you reach matter. You are a co-laborer with the Holy Spirit, and His presence will go with you. You are not abandoned; you are anointed.
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Summary
This generation desperately needs watchmen—those who will not shrink back from truth but who will cry out against sin with boldness and compassion. The failures of many shepherds have led to spiritual blindness among the people. Yet, God is calling forth new voices who will warn the wicked, confront compromise, and contend for righteousness.
Every believer who has been given spiritual sight must embrace the responsibility of a watchman. This includes warning others, staying faithful amidst corruption, and refusing to be entangled with false, greedy religious movements. Though the path is narrow and sometimes lonely, it is filled with the strength and presence of the Holy Spirit.
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Conclusion
The burden of the watchman is not a weight of despair—it is a badge of honor. God is not looking for perfect people; He is looking for willing hearts. In these final hours of history, will you rise and speak? Will you sound the alarm, cry aloud, and spare not?
Watchmen do not fear the darkness. They light a torch and stand their ground. Let us not be ashamed of the gospel. Let us not be silent when souls hang in the balance. Let us be found faithful.
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Call to Action
Ask yourself: Have I been silent while sin prevails around me? Have I cared more about my comfort than the condition of souls? Have I looked the other way when God has called me to speak?
Today, recommit to the calling. Be a voice. Be a flame. Be a watchman. Speak to the lost. Warn the backslider. Challenge the religious hypocrite. Be faithful to what God has entrusted to you.
You are not alone. Heaven backs you. The Spirit fills you. The message you carry is eternal. Do not remain silent.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, do not let fear silence you. Do not let the failures of others dishearten you. The Lord is with you, and He is well pleased with those who do not walk off the job. You are His voice, His vessel, and His witness.
Bear the burden with gladness. Walk in courage, not compromise. Proclaim the truth, and the Lord will honor your faithfulness. In this perverse generation, you are a burning light—and darkness cannot overcome you.
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Prayer of Salvation
Dear Lord Jesus,
I come before You today, recognizing that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy. I confess my sins and turn away from my rebellion. I believe that You died on the cross and rose again so that I might be saved.
Please forgive me, cleanse me, and come into my heart. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me Your faithful servant. Help me to walk in obedience, and use me as Your watchman to call others to repentance.
I give You my life today. Lead me, guide me, and keep me. Thank You for loving me and saving me. In Your holy name,
Amen.
