Daily Devotions
The Choice Is Yours
Reading for September 4th: Ezekiel 18-20
"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live."
Ezekiel 18:30-32
The power of choice is fundamental to our being. It is what makes us human. It is the freedom that distinguishes us from the rest of the animal kingdom. It is the thumbprint of our Creator.
God has given us the gift of choice because it was necessary and essential to accomplish his eternal purpose. His purpose was not simply to make out of us obedient subjects who slavishly and robotically did his will. His purpose was to call souls to himself who would freely yield and submit themselves to his authority. He desired willing obedience. What he wanted, in a word, was love. And love cannot be forced or compelled. It can only be given.
If you are presently living in rebellion to God, understand that God wants you to repent. He knows the road that you are on. He knows where it's leading. And it breaks his heart.
But know also that God is not going to compel or force you in any way to do his will. Yes, our God moves in a mysterious way, and he will discipline and help to guide you to the right path, but he will not force the issue. To make you obey would rob God of what he desires most... your love.
The choice is yours.
Father, thank you for loving us even when we are unlovable. Thank you for giving us the ability to choose the right way. Help us to choose you over ourselves.
