TODAY’S SCRIPTURE Ezekiel 18:21-32
Some people reject Christianity by saying, “I could never believe in a God who would send people to a place like Hell.” Others say, “How could it be fair to punish a sinner who lives seventy years with an eternity of torment?” It might help us to know that we are by no means the first to ask — or answer — those questions. Ezekiel the prophet helps us with these questions.
That promise is followed by a beautiful question from God. “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?” (vs. 23)
God takes no pleasure in Hell. He does not rejoice about “giving those sinners what they deserve.” Instead, He weeps that they would not accept His grace and mercy. God doesn’t want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4). When Jesus looks over the town that is about to form a mob to crucify Him, He doesn’t look forward to God’s outpouring of wrath against them. Instead, He weeps over it (Luke 19:41).
Hell doesn’t bring God joy. Nothing would make Him happier than to shut the place down due to a lack of interest. He has done everything possible to keep people from Hell, but unfortunately, many keep choosing the broad road that leads to destruction.
“No man should preach on Hell who can do so with dry eyes.” – Charles Spurgeon
Today, I will…inventory my heart for bitterness and judgment. I will ask myself if there is anyone whom I would be disappointed to see in Heaven. I will pray for my attitude towards the lost so that I will be more like Jesus
