"Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’"

Ezekiel 33:11

Despite acknowledging their sin, the people’s hearts are not yet transformed. God, however, desires to restore and give new life, but there must be true repentance (v. 11). The mark of such is not necessarily the depth of our sorrow but a turning away from wrong ways of living (e.g., vv. 14,15). What a hope, though, that past sins need not define our future (v. 12)!

When Jerusalem finally fell, some were allowed to remain in the land. Instead of recognizing God’s mercy, they thought that God approved of them by giving them the land (v. 24)! People who go against God’s will sometimes claim that their life is going well; they are happy and feel a deep connection to him as if it demonstrates that the Lord approves of their lifestyle. However, it is Scripture, not feelings or circumstances, that provides our best guide to what pleases God.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me discernment to recognize when my responses are not what they should be. Thank you for your patient work in me (edited from Encounter with God).