Ezekiel 18
Scripture
Ezekiel 18:31-32
“Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!”
Observation-What does it say?
In this passage, God speaks to Ezekiel regarding people's accountability for the sin in their lives. God will not punish children for their parents' sinfulness, or vice versa, God will not punish parents for their children's sins. Instead, God tells Ezekiel that He will hold each person accountable for their sinfulness or righteousness. Those who live sinful lives will surely die, and those who live a life of righteousness will surely live. And you think God wants sinners to die? No! He wants them to turn from their sinfulness so they can live!-(vs. 23)
Understanding-What does it mean?
We serve a God who loves the sinner, but hates sin.
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 NLT
There are some out there that think we serve a wrathful God. A God who is just waiting for us to slip so He can punish us. But they are sadly mistaken if that is what they believe our God is all about. I love in verse 23 of this passage where God reminds Ezekiel that His heart isn't for sinners to die and be punished. But rather God's heart is for those sinners to repent, and turn away from their sinfulness. This way we all can experience God's love the way He intended. We all know God's love for us in John 3:16, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
God's willingness to come out of His comforts in Heaven, to be made human, and die a sinner's death, and to do it all for us shows just how much He loves us and desires us to spend eternity with Him. But we must do our part in it as well. We must accept this free gift from God, by accepting His son Jesus as our Lord and Savior in our lives, and turn away from our sinfulness and begin living a life of righteousness. Because although we do serve a loving God, we also serve a just God. A God who despises sin and will punish those who commit sin in ways He sees as just. So let's rid ourselves of our bad habits and begin living a life filled with the Holy Spirit and bearing His fruits.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
Life Application
With all the hate going on in today's world, I choose to live a life that will demonstrate God's love for people to those around me.
Father God, thank You for Your unconditional love. Thank You for never giving up on me no matter how sinful I may be. You are a God of second chances, a God who desires for all people to come to know You, and live a life according to Your will. Give me strength to see the good in people, the way You see the good in me. Help me to demonstrate your love today in a way that will glorify and honor You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.