S. Ezekiel 18:30-31 (NIV) 30 “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. 31 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? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!
O. God says to Israel – Repent (He uses this phrase twice in this verse.) The first is translated “Repent,” and the other is “Turn away.” However, it is the same word so perhaps a strong emphasis is being placed on the need to turn away – go in new – God direction.
He also says “Rid” which means to cast away – throw or fling. They were to get rid of anything offensive to the Lord or oppressive to their faith. Once they’ve done this, they would enjoy (RECEIVE) a new heart and the Holy Spirit at work in their life.
A. Our willful sins hinder the work of the spirit in our hearts and lives. I will continue to actively turn toward the direction God has for my life – casting away any sin that may crop up so I can enjoy a spirit filled and spirit led life.
P. Thank you Lord for your word today. Thank you for Israel’s example for all of us today to have to learn from. Holy Spirit, fill me and lead me. Help me turn toward God’s direction for me and to cast away any sin that I might enjoy your filling and leading in my life.
