Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Ezekiel 33:11
When wickedness overtakes a family and destroys it, or when a company is using its power to feed its greed at the cost of life, or when a nation scoffs at its Creator, I can’t help but think about how much better off the world would be without powerful people who inflict suffering and injustice on everyone around them. Their power increases, and they live well into their nineties, while God continues to extend to them patience and mercy.
It’s really pretty maddening. I have been talking to God about these things for a few days, because obviously my heart does not align with His heart. This phrase has captured my thinking—“I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” None. Not even a smidgeon. And it makes me realize how much bigger God’s love is than my imperfect love. God sees a wicked act, and instead of rushing to judgment, He sends a watchman to speak truth and proclaim His true plan. It is a plan of repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life.
The republic will be saved when the gospel is preached, the Holy Spirit calls people to know and love their Creator, and justice and mercy will prevail over raw power and hate. Our country has spiraled so quickly into chaos, it is hard to imagine what that would look like. I asked my Father to show me what His America would be like. Obviously, it isn’t zapping the wicked. God’s greatest miracles happen when He brings light into darkness. It is hard to even imagine what that looks like any more. Here are my top ten signs that God is restoring His world:
Work will become honorable again. Creativity and innovation will breathe new life into the economy. The stranglehold of corporate greed and welfare hopelessness will diminish.
Health and modesty will replace chronic illness and sensual abuse of the body.
Fathers will discover greater pleasure in being a Dad than being a playboy. The hearts of family members will return to each other. Children will be safe from the assaults of violence and sexual perversion.
Addiction to food, alcohol, drugs, and pornography will give way to deliverance of the mind and body. The principalities and powers that drive these enterprises will be defeated by angelic hosts and the prayers of the saints.
Neighborhoods will be clean and beautified with gardens and flowers.
Artists will capture light and splendor in the things God has made.
Public servants will see their role to provide services that support the individual, the mothers and fathers and children, the unborn, and the elderly.
The church will become relevant again, speaking life into business, family, and public policy.
Endless wars will no longer be funded.
God’s presence among His people will be evident by JOY and HOPE.
And finally, the wicked will turn to God. He takes NO pleasure when they prevail in this life that is like a vapor that disappears at dawn. They are pitiful creatures who face an unimaginable and awful judgment for the eternity that is beyond time. We who know God personally must put our hope in the One who loves even the most wicked one who repulses us. Here is the plan:
Go to now ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you…Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:1, 19-20
The Grief Experience: Blog 