Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 33; Ezekiel 34; Ezekiel 35; Revelation 18
Scripture: Ezekiel 33:14-16 And if I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right — if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.
Observation: The people of Israel were under great duress because of God's judgment that had fallen heavily upon them. They knew that they were getiing their just desserts. They had no one to blame but themselves. And they just gave up. But God tells Ezekiel to let the people know that their situation wasn't hopeless -- things still could change! In these verses the prophet gives God's words of hope: "If the wicked person stops being wicked, turns around, and starts doing the right things, he can experience blessing."
Application: I love the fact that God want to see wicked people change and not suffer. (Read verse 11.) He is a God of second chances. So the application is something like this: "If you're doing stuff that is bad, knock it off! Start doing the good stuff and you can get the good stuff from God." Yeah!
Prayer: Dear Father, Thank you that you love to give second chances to people, even when they have been stupidly subborn. Thank you that you are always looking for the lost sheep to bring it back into the safety of your flock and into the care of you as the Good Shepherd. Help me to do the good stuff.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
