A New Heart: A Study in EzekielEgzanp

What does it say?

Ezekiel was a watchman, warning the house of Israel to turn from their wickedness. The Lord would judge the righteous and the wicked according to his ways.

What does it mean?

God’s judgment on Jerusalem had taken place. From this point, Ezekiel’s ministry would focus on the restoration of God’s people – the reason for his re-commissioning as a watchman for the house of Israel. Each person had a chance to be reconciled to God by responding to Ezekiel’s warning, which was twofold: turn from evil, but don’t be lulled into righteous complacency. God is righteous and just. As such, He has every right to wipe out each occurrence of evil without hesitation. Even so, the Lord doesn’t take pleasure when the wicked die. He would rather they turn to Him and be spared.

How should I respond?

As followers of Christ, we want the violence and deception that have become so prevalent in our world to be eradicated. But have we become unfeeling and complacent in our desire to see justice served? While justice is absolutely necessary, we must remember that God looks at sin impartially. The sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ is required to forgive both the non-believing murderer and the sinful thoughts of a Christian. Where are you praying for God’s justice to be done? Will you also pray for the offender to turn to God and then rejoice if he does?