There Is No Need For You To Die

This week we will hear from Ezekiel 33 where the exiles are reminded of Ezekiel's appointment as watchman over them and their responsibility to hear and heed his warnings. They are exhorted not to rely upon their own righteousness, nor to despair in their disobedience, but to turn to the Lord and live. There is no need for any of them to die in their sin, for "the Lord has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his ways and live."
Sadly, despite the warnings and the fulfillment of all that Ezekiel has foretold, including the fall of Jerusalem, the people still do not heed the word of the Lord. They gather to hear what the Lord has to say through Ezekiel, but they treat him more like a pop-star than a prophet of the Lord. They will not do what he says. Only when the Lord acts will they know a prophet has been among them. And act he will!– in judgment towards those who refuse to turn and believe, and in the redemption of those who turn to him in repentance and faith.
The Lord is sovereign still today and his word continues to go forth, warning of the Day of the Lord to come, but also "wooing" us to repentance and faith - not wishing that any should perish. Jesus, the watchman par excellence, has both sounded the warning AND borne the guilt of our sin. There is no need for any of us to die in our sin. Therefore, "Repent, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die?"