"Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord God. Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?" Ezekiel 18:23
Simply, if God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked, should we? Implied answer: No. Too many of us do. Somehow we've gotten to the point that we actually revel in the thought of "the death of the wicked" rather than in the thought of their returning to the Lord, or turning in the first place, and being given life. We probably think we're following after some notion of "justice." Well, God derives no such pleasure, even when "justice" is somehow enacted. The Love of God in us should grow and make us people who desire the turning of the wicked and who rejoice when they do so and receive life.
Now, to say this is absolutely to acknowledge that there are some who are wicked, and who are headed for destruction. If we talk of love and mercy, this does not preclude our also speaking and understanding the Truth about that which gives Life and that which erodes Life. If we don't see this, we cannot go any further really. Our vision is compromised and walking blind is not a good thing. It matters which direction we walk in. Not all paths are equal in this thing. Some lead to surprise cliff edges. Some lead to grasslands where roaring lions hunt. And some lead Home. Give us the Grace, in your Church, to see and walk the way Home, Father, and to help others turn and walk with us.
March 05, 2007
> 1:07 PM
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