Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not just.
Hear, O house of Israel: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are
unjust?
Footnote: A typical childish response to punishment is to
say, "That isn't fair!" In reality, God is fair, but we have broken the rules.
It is not God who must live up to our ideas of fairness; instead, we must live
up to his. Don't spend your time looking for the loopholes in God's law.
Instead, live up to God's standards.
Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you,
each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord, Repent! Turn away
from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of
all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why
will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone,
declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!
Footnote: Ezekiel's solution to the problem of inherited
guilt is for each person to have a changed life. This is God's work in us and
not something we can do for ourselves. The Holy Spirit does it (Psalm
51:10-12). If we renounce our life's direction of sin and rebellion and turn to
God, he will give us a new direction, a new love, and a new power to change.
You can begin by faith, trusting in God's power to change your heart and mind.
Then determine to live each day with him in control (Ephesians
4:22-24).
Keep reading -- 108 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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