He Shall Surely Live

Read Ezekiel 18

Read Philemon

In Ezekiel 18, God shows himself to be extremely just and merciful. He had been accused by Israel of being neither, as we seen in our reading today. But he is truly both. And for that we give thanks today.

God shows himself to be just by bringing judgement and punishment down on the wicked, and by showing grace and favor to the righteous. God will not condemn a son for his father's sins. God will not excuse a wicked father because of the grandfather's righteousness. No, the soul that sins shall die.

But God is merciful, and (as we see in our reading) takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God desires that the sinful should repent and turn from their ways. Then, we are are assured, he shall surely live.

The end goal of this whole chapter is neatly summarized at its conclusion: "Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live" (v. 30-32).

And so, Israel of Ezekiel's day is called to repentance. And so are we.

I have much of which to repent. Do you? I like to begin my day with a reminder of my baptism, rising and crossing myself and saying, "In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." It's a good way to start the day, remembering that I am sinful, but I am a redeemed son of God. What an undeserved gift and privilege!

And, friends, always rejoice and ponder the mystery of Jesus Christ. It is because of what he did that we receive mercy. For our just God promises that the soul that sins shall die. Yet, Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21)!!! Though we deserve death, we hear God's promise in Ezekiel spoken over us: "He shall surely live!" (or She shall surely live)! Thanks be to God.

Pray:

I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all and frees us From the accursed load.
I bring my guilt to Jesus To wash my crimson stains
Clean in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains.

I rest my soul on Jesus, This weary soul of min;
His right hand me embraces; I on His breast recline.
I love the name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
Like fragrance on the breezes His name abroad is poured.

(LSB 606: 1, 3; Public Domain)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!