DEVOTIONAL INSIGHTS & REFLECTIONS

God Never Changes - October 24

Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Today, we look at God's dealings with the Israelites in the book of Ezekiel, Chapter 18, Verses 25-32. He speaks to His people, through His prophet:

...you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die.

Yet the Israelites say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own 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, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

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In the New Testament, we hear the prophet, John the Baptist, as he prepares the way for Jesus, the Messiah ---- God is using the prophet, John, to call His people to repentance. ...and some do repent, they turn from their sin and turn toward God. This is demonstrated through water baptism. By turning from their sin towards God, they open their hearts to hear the voice of Jesus the Messiah.

Even so, today, we must turn from our sin and turn toward God in sincere repentance in order to hear His voice and follow Him.
Also read Hebrews 3:12-15.

Today, God may speak through a prophet, but His preferred method of speaking to us is always face-to-face. The blood of Jesus (who is the sacrificial lamb of God) has prepared the way for us to go directly to our Father. However, we must appropriate the blood of Jesus (His sacrifice on our behalf) by turning from sin and toward God in sincere sorrow and repentance.

Jesus loves you!