Called to be a watchmen of God's people

The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: 'When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. 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.' "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. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.
(Ezekiel 33:1-9 NIV)

The responsibility of a watchmen is great. And yet in God's kingdom we are chosen. Leaders and shepherds of Gods people are given spiritual authority not by our desire but God's will.

The risk of a watchmen:
We are the first on the line as danger comes
To not call out when danger is coming
Means there blood is on our hands
To call out when there is no danger
Risks our reputation
To call out too late
Means many will die because of us

And yet
Even if we call out
They may not listen

God strengthen me as your watchmen to be vigilant and wise. Teach me your word. Full me with your Spirit. Give me discernment and courage to speak your truth. God help me to find my identity in you alone and not what others say. Help me to trust in your plans and be faithful even in my fear and when I don't understand.
Reveal your calling and spiritual authority to others. Help them to know that you have called and it is not a choice. Wherever they are and wherever you call them they carry that spiritual authority.
Amen