Scripture
Ezekiel 18:31-32
“Rid yourselves of the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!
Observation
Even in their sin, the Israelites maintained a self-righteous attitude which caused them to question God’s justice. God patiently explained his justice to them, and then concludes with this plea for repentance. His hope and his desire is not to destroy. If God wanted to, he could snap his fingers and his infinite power would be unleashed in infinite judgement. Instead, God patiently endures our self-righteous arrogance and keeps trying to turn our hearts back to him.
Application
“Why will you die, Israel?!” It must genuinely bewilder and sadden God to see people reject his love. Even so, he is patient. I don’t want to sadden God! I want to welcome his love with gratefulness instead of arrogance. I want to live life confidently in the new spirit and new heart he has given me. I want to stand firm in a lifestyle of repentance, secure in his righteousness and not my own.
This week, I choose to live in Christ.
This week, I choose to walk with Him.
This week, I choose His ways and not my own.
Prayer
God, thank you for your patience with me! Thank you that you choose to love me. Help me this week, to walk in humility and repentance. May my life bring you joy and not sadness, as I walk daily in you with the new heart and new spirit that you have given me!
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