Throughout the Bible, there are numerous passages where God’s love and passion for humanity are powerfully evident. Ezekiel 33:11 stands out as one of those profound examples.
Say to them: As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11).
It’s as if we are invited to rest our heads against God’s chest and listen to His heartbeat—a heartbeat that resonates with love for His cherished creation. God desires that no one should perish.
This truth becomes even more profound when we witness the ministry of Jesus. God’s love extended beyond mere words of affection; it was demonstrated through the ultimate act of love—the sacrifice of His beloved Son.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life (John 3:16).
Human Responsiveness
Love is not passive; it calls for active participation and response from both the giver and the receiver.
God’s love is love in action, expressed in countless ways—from the warmth of the sunshine and the refreshing rain to the ultimate gift of His Son through the crucifixion and resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, offering us the chance to know Him personally.
He loves us deeply. The question is, will we respond to His love with a positive and open heart?
Jeremiah tells us, “The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse—who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
We may claim to love God, but Ezekiel puts love in proper perspective.
And you, mortal, say to your people: The righteousness of the righteous shall not save them when they transgress, and as for the wickedness of the wicked, it shall not make them stumble when they turn from their wickedness, and the righteous shall not be able to live by their righteousness when they sin.
Though I say to the righteous that they shall surely live, yet if they trust in their righteousness and commit iniquity, none of their righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in the iniquity that they have committed they shall die (Ezekiel 33:12-13).
Some people may have had a significant experience with God in the past and believe it will sustain them throughout their spiritual journey. That may be true, but only if they continue to walk with God and follow His guidance.
However, if their lives are marked more by iniquity and wrongdoing, they should carefully examine their situation. Their hearts may be deceiving them, leading them to think they are walking with God when, in reality, they are not.
Like the prodigal son in Jesus’ well-known parable in Luke 15, some people believe they can never be fully accepted into God’s family. They think that if they could just become a servant, it would be enough.
The good news is that when they approach God with genuine repentance, demonstrated through their actions, they will find a “welcome home” sign waiting for them.
Again, though I say to the wicked, “You shall surely die,” yet if they turn from their sin and do what is lawful and right . . .
If the wicked restore the pledge, give back what they have taken by robbery, and walk in the statutes of life, committing no iniquity—they shall surely live; they shall not die.
None of the sins that they have committed shall be remembered against them; they have done what is lawful and right; they shall surely live (Ezekiel 33:14-16).
The People’s Dispute
Ezekiel’s message did not occur in isolation. He delivered these words to people who were actively responding—some favorably and others unfavorably—to what he was saying. It’s no surprise that his audience questioned his message.
Ezekiel captured God’s perspective clearly when he said, “God will judge you according to your behavior” (Ezekiel 33:20). We would be wise to take his words to heart and respond appropriately.
Let’s not allow our hearts to deceive us. Instead, let’s come to God with the wholehearted love that He deserves.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It’s on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 