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Daily Devotions

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 
Day 
Day 188

"The way of the Lord is not fair"

Text: Ezekiel 18:25

CHARGES MADE AGAINST GOD

Israel reacted strongly and negatively against these judgments made by the Lord. God replied just as strongly to the charges made against Him.

“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’
Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair,
and your ways which are not fair?
When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness,
commits iniquity, and dies in it,
it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies.
Again, when a wicked man turns away
from the wickedness which he committed,
and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive.
Because he considers and turns away
from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live;
he shall not die.
Yet the house of Israel says,
‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’
O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair,
and your ways which are not fair?”
Ezekiel 18:25-29

1. “The way of the Lord is not fair”

a) This was the negative response of Israel.

b) No reasons were offered by Israel.

2. “Hear now, O house of Israel”

a) God challenged Israel to consider whose ways were not fair.

b) Was Israel’s way fairer than God’s way?

c) The reality is obvious,
God’s way is gracious and more than just fair!

3. God reasons with Israel concerning the righteous man who becomes wicked.

a) When a righteous man follows the way of iniquity.

b) He would die because of his wicked ways.

c) The repercussions of his wickedness would result in his death.

d) He has in fact brought his own death.

4. God reasons with Israel concerning the wicked man who becomes righteous.

a) He has forsaken his sinful ways.

b) He does what is good and righteous.

c) His deeds of righteousness would cause his life to be preserved.

5. The truth of the matter.

a) Israel’s way is flawed and unfair.

i) It does not allow for a wicked man to turn himself around.

ii) It condemns people and would not consider repentance.

b) God’s way is more than fair.

i) The wicked has a second chance to make good.

ii) God would give him a chance to live.

iii) God’s grace and mercy are to be noted and appreciated.