S) "23 'Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,' declares the Lord God, 'rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?'"
Ezekiel 18:23 (NASB)
O) This chapter, up until this point, is God telling Ezekiel that He will not punish the sons for the sins of the fathers, and neither will He punish the fathers for the sins of the sons. That is, He clarifies that the guilt of each individual will be on the head of that individual. Then, He also shifts a little to clarify His desire for repentance from every guilty person. If a wicked man turns from all his wicked ways, practicing righteousness instead, then his transgressions will not be remembered against him (vv.21-22). Then, we see the verse above; the rhetorical question makes it clear that God would much rather a man repent and live, than for Him to put that wicked man to death. That does not please God, but it is the just thing to do if a man will not repent of his sins. This is proof positive that the will of God is not always done; God does not impose forced repentance, forced faithfulness. In His grace, He provides that all are able to repent, He has always been willing to receive the contrite and humble heart. His grace is evident in His patience and lovingkindness. God does not want us to bear the wages of our sins, but rather, He desires that we would take His free gift of life by repentance and turning from our ways to His. This was made ultimately and permanently possible through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and made sure through His resurrection.
A) The most important thing for me to remember, when I do sin, when I transgress the ways of my Lord, is that my God is my Father, and His love for me never changes. His heart is always for my repentance, for my restoration, for me to turn from my sin and live. My mistakes never please Him, but my repentance always does. Sometimes, the will of God can seem unknowable. Sometimes, it's easy to get distracted, almost, trying to figure out what God wants me to do. However, many times I think that is me over-thinking, over-complicating things. Starting simply, remembering that His will for me is for me to repent when I sin, that is where I should start. His will for me is to worship and praise Him, being thankful in every circumstance. Knowing the heart of my Father God will keep me in a state of repentance, so that a heart set on His ways will become the posture I keep, the lifestyle I maintain. When I do fail, when I sin, it will then be the natural, quick, and inviting thing to repent and come back to my Father, whose will is for me to live.
P) Father God, thank You for this great love for me. Thank You for the grace and mercy I have, because of Your great heart for me. Let me remember that Your will for me is to repent and live. That starting there, remembering Your great love for me, I will move to worship and praise, thanksgiving and submission to Your will. Let me walk in obedience, but when I stumble and sin, let me quickly remember Your will for me, Your love for me. Thank You for receiving me, for wanting me. Thank You for the patience You keep for me. Receive all glory and honor, Father God. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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