Which way?

As people read the Old Testament and as they experience the troubles that often come in life, they may come to think of God as vengeful and even capricious. In today’s first reading from the prophet Ezekiel, God presents us with a better perspective.

Because he practiced all these abominations,
he shall surely die;
his death shall be his own fault.

Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel,
each one according to his ways, says the Lord GOD.

Turn and be converted from all your crimes,
that they may be no cause of guilt for you.
Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed,
and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

Why should you die, O house of Israel?
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,
says the Lord GOD.
Return and live!

God wants our good. He loves us. Even when we have directed ourselves toward evil, God reaches out to us, that by His grace we may turn away from the dead end of evil and turn back to Him and the eternal life of our heavenly Father.

Why head toward evil and death?

Return to God and live!