Read Ezekiel 17:1 through 19:14
The prophet Ezekiel proclaimed to the people of Israel that God would punish them if they continued to pursue wickedness. Why did they persist in their sinful ways when God offered them mercy?
“Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel?” (Ezekiel 18:31).
It may seem that God is harsh and unbending in His judgment of His people, and yet we see God’s heart of mercy revealed. If only the people would turn from their sin and get a new heart and a new spirit, they would not suffer the dreadful consequences of His righteous anger. God offered His people the opportunity to repent and be saved because He longs for all people to come to repentance.
God never delights in judging the ungodly for their sins. He proved it by sending His only Son to pay for the sins of all people for all time. Christ took the judgment that was ours. In place of that judgment we received new hearts and new spirits.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Rejoice that in Christ mercy triumphs over judgment.
©by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N Boonville Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65802