“Death”

Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 18.31)

Do you choose repentance or death?

Judah had a sin problem, and they did not want to admit their guilt. They blamed their exile on their ancestors. God reminded them that each individual is judged for his or her own sin. If Judah had been living for God, the exile would not have taken place (Ezekiel 18.2-18). Personal accountability did not have to be a bad thing for Judah. God did not take pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18.32). He promised that if they repented, they would live. Judah needed a new heart that could be molded. They needed to be born again. Judah had a choice to make, repentance or death.

Life is not all sowing and reaping, but you can be guaranteed that sin does not bring good things to your life (John 9.2-3; Galatians 6.7-8). You cannot blame others for your sin. You cannot blame God for your sin (James 1.13-15). Your choices matter, and one day your choice will either send you to heaven or hell. Repent of your sins, accept Jesus, and live. Hold on to your sins, reject Jesus, and die (John 3.36). If you are already a Christian, you have a new heart that convicts you of sin. Do not ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit who dwells within you. If you continue in sin, God will correct you (Hebrews 12.5-11). Whatever your situation, you need to deal with your sin.

Have you chosen repentance or death? You can choose life in Jesus. Are you holding onto a sin in your life? Repent and turn to God. Are you trying to blame others for your sin? They are not guilty of your choices. God tenderly pleads, “Why should you die?” Forgiveness and mercy are available. Turn to God and live!

God, thank You for Your tender mercies. I know that my sin deserves death. I thank You that Jesus was willing to take that punishment for me. Thank You for giving me a new heart of flesh. Convict me, mold me, and guide me daily through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to own my failures and come to You with a heart of repentance. Amen.

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Death | Ezekiel 18.31
Weekly Bible Devotional

Written and Produced by:
Reverend David Lyda
Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church
Edgefield, SC

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.