In Vain?

Eternity measures Paul’s success not by the efforts of those he ministered to but solely by his own faithfulness in obeying his Lord. And the same applies to each of us.

Ezekiel 33:7-9  . . . I have set you a watchman to the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I tell the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you don’t speak to warn the wicked from his way; that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at your hand. Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he doesn’t turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul.

A watchman’s role is solely to warn. Once Ezekiel obeyed, his hearer’s response hinged not on him, nor on God, but on them. These rebels had no power over him. Ezekiel’s glory had nothing to do with them.