“For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!” (Ezekiel 18:32)

The message of God recorded in the Scripture demonstrates God’s amazing patience. From the beginning man has rebelled against God, yet over and over again God’s patience is shown. Peter states, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) The prophet Ezekiel would also express God’s patience to the people. “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’” (Isaiah 33:11)

We even see His patience in the discussion with Abraham concerning the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. In His response to Abraham, He said, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.” (Genesis 18:32b) Abraham had begun with fifty righteous and worked his way down to ten. God was patient with Abraham, and desired to be patient with Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet, ten righteous people could not be found.

In the promise of the Messiah in Isaiah’s prophecy, God demonstrates His patience in the midst of mankind’s sinfulness. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) He then would tell of His promised One. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) This is God at work in His patience. His passion to bring men back into relationship with Him would come from His desire to see them repent and live. Jesus would announce this desire as He began His ministry on earth. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)

The passion of Jesus’ message is offered by the prophet Ezekiel, “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!” (Ezekiel 18:32) Jesus’ passion for all to come to God is seen through His death and resurrection. By His teaching and His actions, He is calling all to repent and live. “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (John 10:10b Msg)

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block