Why Will You Die?

As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live;
turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?
– Ezekiel 33:11

At our annual parish gathering last Sunday evening–thank you to all who could attend and took part in our chili cook-off–I mentioned that a focus for this year is extending the Gospel to those who have yet to know the love of God, receive his forgiveness of their sins, to be reconciled to him through grace by faith, and to live in the power and care of the Spirit. Though that work may sound daunting, if you are reading this there is a good chance that such work has been wrought in your life, and the Lord graciously continues that work in us all. This he does for the Lord has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. We also heard of the Lord's heart last week from John 3:16: for God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

As this is the heart and mission of God, it is to be the heart and mission of his people, the Body of Christ. As we are among the people of God, it is to be our heart and our mission as well. Can we change the human heart? No, that is the work of the Spirit. But we can–and should–be living witnesses of the work the Lord has done and continues to do in our own lives. Perishing is not the only way things can end. There is another way, a way the Lord desires, and a way that he has gone to such great lengths to open to all who might believe.

To this end, I encouraged those at the annual gathering–and encourage you now–to begin by noting three people you know who do not know our Lord. Take those three people and pray for them daily. Pray for their salvation, for their troubles and trials, for their joys. Additionally, share those three people with one other person in the church (and vice versa) that together you might pray for your six people.

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God.

Grace & Peace

Matthew+