My Favorite Verse

Ezekiel 33:11

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turned from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

I love this verse because it reveals so much of the heart of God.

• We see His love for the sinner
• We see the pain we cause Him
• We see His desire for reconciliation
• We see His holiness
• We see His righteousness
• We feel His yearning for EVERY soul

This verse is placed in a passage where God is urging Ezekiel to speak to the Israelites. God set him as a watchman over them. He was to warn them of the sword that was coming their way, and if he failed, God would require Israel's blood at Ezekiel's hand.

I love the clear presentation of the heart of God in this passage; as well I acknowledge my duty to share the Gospel.

When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Ezekiel 33:8

I have knowledge of that salvation. I know what the wicked, what every sinner, what every person on this earth, needs to do in order to be saved. How wretched and wicked of me if I hold back what they need to know to be saved from the coming sword.

I love Ezekiel 33:11 because it reveals to me a Holy God who loves every individual and desires that no one die in his iniquity. It reveals to me a righteous God who wants people to live and not suffer the consequences of their wickedness. I love that God; He's my God; and it is the love of that God that makes me want to obey Him. His commandments are not grievous (I John 5:3).