Through the Bible: EzekielSample
It’s Not Fair
When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it. But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it. Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is not fair.” O house of Israel, I will judge every one of you according to his own ways.
Ezekiel 18-20 (ESV)
Last year, about a week before my friend died, she accepted the Lord. Many of us rejoiced for her. Others, including some Christians, thought it was not fair. What about prior transgressions?
Many of us gladly accept the grace of God for forgiveness of our own sins, but we are not quite so ready to accept that for others. God has declared that if a wicked man turns from his sin and begins to obey God, he will live and not die. God also warns us that He will not spare a righteous man if he turns back to sin, being a holy and just God.
Ezekiel urges us to turn to the principle of individual responsibility and the role of repentance. God does not want us to regard human destiny as fatalistically determined by a person’s past, either for good or evil. God’s heart is for us to repent and choose life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to embrace in my head and my heart that Your ways and judgments are righteous and true. Help me not to challenge Your justice. Help me to embrace Your grace and forgiveness, not just for me, but for everyone.
Scripture
About this Plan
By the river Chebar, Ezekiel prophesied both judgement and hope to the exiles of Judah, who were just removed from the Promised Land. Although the people cried out, “Our bones are dried up and our hope is lost,” Ezekiel reassured them that God would always provide a way to restore His people. Punishment is grueling, but sometimes it is meant to bring us back to repentance and humility before God.
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