How can we apply the principle of spiritual vigilance from Ezekiel 39:15 today? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 39:15: “As they pass through the land and one of them sees a human bone, he will set up a marker beside it until the gravediggers have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-gog.” Principle of Vigilance Illustrated • Watchers kept alert for anything defiling. • Immediate action—mark the bone so it could be dealt with. • Community cooperation—one set the marker, others completed the burial. • Goal—keep the land clean for the Lord’s glory. Why Spiritual Vigilance Matters Today • God still calls His people to guard what is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). • The enemy remains active: “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). • Our hearts are prone to drift (Hebrews 2:1). Personal Applications—Marking the “Bones” • Regular heart checks: ask the Spirit to expose hidden sin (Psalm 139:23-24). • Quick identification: when temptation surfaces, name it for what it is—“bone spotted.” • Set a boundary marker: – Turn off the screen, end the conversation, walk away (Matthew 5:29-30). – Replace temptation with Scripture (Psalm 119:11). • Immediate confession and cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Continual gratitude for Christ’s finished work keeps the conscience tender (Hebrews 9:14). Household & Community Vigilance • Family devotions guard the home (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Accountability friendships: “But encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). • Church discipline practiced lovingly protects the flock (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:7). Tools God Provides for Vigilance • Scripture—our primary “marker” (Psalm 119:105). • Prayer—staying awake: “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). • The Holy Spirit—alerting us internally (John 16:8,13). • Wise stewardship of time: “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Armor of God—daily readiness (Ephesians 6:10-18). Living Watchful, Expectant Lives • Keep an eye on the horizon: “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). • Vigilance is hopeful, not fearful; it anticipates Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:11-14). • Every “bone” dealt with now prepares a pure bride for the coming Bridegroom (Revelation 19:7-8). |
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