Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? Ezekiel 18:23 - So many in our world need to hear this passage from the mouth of our Lord, and such was the case for the people of Israel in Ezekiel’s day. They settled that what was the most just thing was for a wicked person to die, even if that person later on turned from their wrongs. They even believed that the children of the wrongdoer ought to be killed because of the sin their parent did. Yet God speaks into this and makes clear His stance, and it’s vastly different than the people’s. With God, if someone once was wicked but turned from their wickedness to live righteously, this brought pleasure to the Lord and blessed them with life. For as we see in our verse, God finds no pleasure in the death of anyone, even the death of the wicked. He would far rather the wicked see their wrongs and repent than to punish them with death. People in all times need to understand this character trait of mercy of the Lord. God isn’t up in Heaven excitedly watching us mess up because that means for Him He finally gets to smite another person. No, when we sin it breaks His heart. For while it brings Him no pleasure, He is still just and will punish sin. Allow this possibly new image of the Lord transform how you see our God. While He will condemn to Hell those that refuse to follow Him, such action brings the Lord no pleasure at all. He longs for every soul to want Him and to pursue His righteousness. What a glorious God we serve that not only desires us to be with Him, but would even allow the wicked to repent and have life with Him. For if that wasn’t a reality, none of us would ever see Heaven. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3571
Question To Ponder: Why would God desire it to be known He doesn’t find pleasure in this?
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