GOD TAKES NO PLEASURE IN DEATH
The prophet Ezekiel recorded God’s response to Israel’s false accusations against Him. For they accused God of being unjust and taking pleasure in their demise. They accused Him of holding the sons responsible for the sins of the fathers. They accused God of being unfair in His treatment of them. After the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians, instead of repenting, they blamed their forefathers and they blamed God.
Yet God patiently responded. He reminded them of their sins. He corrected their claim that God judged the sons for the sins of the fathers saying, “The person who sins is the one who will die” (Ez.18:4). He told them that it was actually they themselves that were acting unfairly and unjustly. He took no pleasure in their deaths and reminded them that if they would only repent of their sins and turn from their wicked ways, they would live.
It is human nature to try to shift the blame on others or on God. Yet God still patiently responds to us. We can repent and live. We can place our faith in Jesus Christ and get “a new heart and a new spirit” (Ez. 18:31).
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for blaming You for our own sins. We repent and believe. Forgive us and cleanse us. For we have placed our faith in Jesus. You are faithful and just. We trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.