HE TAKES NO PLEASURE IN THE WICKED’S DEATH

HE TAKES NO PLEASURE IN THE WICKED’S DEATH

Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? —Ezekiel 18:23

For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live. —Ezekiel 18:32

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.’ —Ezekiel 33:11

            God does not take any pleasure in the death of the wicked.  His desire is that the wicked would repent and live forever (I Timothy 2:1-4; II Peter 3:9).  But…

How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?  And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” —Romans 10:15-15

            If God’s desire is that the wicked repent and live, should that also be our desire?  God did the work so the wicked could turn and live.  He has sent us forth with the message to proclaim to the wicked.  If we are not obedient in this then how shall the wicked hear?

            Do you remember when you were still in your wickedness?  How did the message come to you?  What would be your state today if that message did not come to you?  You would still be in your wickedness and what would your life be like now?  More importantly, where would you have spent eternity?  Praise God for those obedient in bringing the gospel to us, however that happened!  May we be obedient in bringing the message to others.

            Now will we continue the legacy of bringing the gospel to others as it has been done down through the ages?  Who can I share Jesus with today?  In whose life can I plant or water the seed of His Word?  May I be faithful in doing so!  Just as we responded to the gospel there are others who will, but we need to be sharing it with them!  Otherwise, how shall they hear? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BQL5fN-aec

Dear Father, may I be faithful in sharing Your Word with those around me.  May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.  So be it!