God's Character

“Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins. “Yet you say, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you? When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die. And yet the people of Israel keep saying, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ O people of Israel, it is you who are not doing what’s right, not I. “Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign LORD. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! 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! [Ezekiel 18.23-32]

A lot is said here in this passage from Ezekiel! Where do we start?

First, I think we should establish ourselves in the last couple of sentences: I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign LORD. Turn back and live! 

If we fail to make ourselves understand God's character based on His own Word, then we are vulnerable to any number of misconceptions about Him. God wants us to live. Jesus confirmed this:

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [John 10.10]

When we are not established in God's character, we slip off into thinking and saying wrong things about God and His ways: “Yet you say, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you? How much grief could be avoided if we didn't waste time questioning God about our suffering and instead just began to repent?

Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! 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?

This NOT just Old Testament! The law of sin and death will remain until time is over! Jesus did not abolish the law of sin and death! He fulfilled it and only those who believe enjoy that benefit. So, faith is the only way to transcend the cycle of sin and death. And, the direction of that faith can only be toward Christ.

When we suffer, we have only to look to Jesus and repent. The rest is up to the very goodness of God Who doesn't want us to die, but wants us to live!

Father, may I be found trusting in Jesus alone for every promise You have made. Forgive my idolatry for looking to other things and people (including myself) for my complete redemption.