Tuesday November 25th, 2014 Ezekiel 33:7-20
As I live says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live... (verse 11a)
We began, last Wednesday, with harsh words and now we end with harsh words. In chapter 32 of Ezekiel we find that Jerusalem has been destroyed and its people slaughtered. It’s a sad picture.
I remember, as a small boy, doing something wrong and being punished by not being allowed to go and see my favourite ball player and get his autograph. I was devastated. All my mom could say was, “It’s for your own good.”
God tells Ezekiel to warn the people of punishment for their disobedience. God’s desire is to have mercy, not to punish, but sometimes discipline is necessary. We need to be warned. We need to hear that there are consequences to our actions whether good or bad. God’s standards are very high.
That’s why we need Jesus. The old covenant has been replaced with a new covenant. Our Shepherd King goes to the cross for us. God cleans us up. Years later I understood that my mom was right. It is good to have these words of warning for they lead us to Jesus where we find forgiveness.
Shepherd King, help us to hear your words of warning so we will know we need forgiveness and can live the way you desire. Amen. — BJ
Contributed by For Your Own Good
We began, last Wednesday, with harsh words and now we end with harsh words. In chapter 32 of Ezekiel we find that Jerusalem has been destroyed and its people slaughtered. It's a sad picture.
I remember, as a small boy, doing something wrong and being punished by not being allowed to go and see my favourite ball player and get his autograph. I was devastated. All my mom could say was, "It's for your own good."
God tells Ezekiel to warn the people of punishment for their disobedience. God's desire is to have mercy, not to punish, but sometimes discipline is necessary. We need to be warned. We need to hear that there are consequences to our actions whether good or bad. God's standards are very high.
That's why we need Jesus. The old covenant has been replaced with a new covenant. Our Shepherd King goes to the cross for us. God cleans us up. Years later I understood that my mom was right. It is good to have these words of warning for they lead us to Jesus where we find forgiveness.
