Ezekiel 33:10-16
"Yet," is such a small word, only three letters. In today's text
however, it is a bridge between destruction and salvation. Ezekiel has returned
to his people after serving in a judicial role to the surrounding nations. He
tells his people that their sins have angered the Lord, yet, there is hope.
There it is, that little word. The actual text says, "...though I say to
the wicked, “You shall surely die,” yet if they turn
from their sin and do what is lawful and right— if the
wicked restore the pledge, give back what they have taken by robbery, and walk
in the statutes of life, committing no iniquity—they shall surely live, they
shall not die." The bridge of God's grace spans the vast chasm
between our sin and what God calls us to be.
The gospel story gives that bridge
a name...Jesus, the Christ. Though our sins condemn us,
yet, there is a way to salvation. Paul speaks of this holy "yet,"
saying, "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus, our Lord." Thanks be to God!
Prayer: Thank you, God, that while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for all. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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