We know that God is love. (1 John 4:8)  Love does not mean He does not care what we do or how we act.  “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6)  The Israelites seemed to think God was not a just god because He had expectations of them.  “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?  When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die.  Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life.  Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die.  Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ O house of Israel, are my ways not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?” (Ezekiel 18:25-29)  Our God is a just god and He wants us all to be saved, but just like with the Israelite people we have to do our part.  “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live.” (Ezekiel 18:32)

Today’s reading: Ezekiel 9-12