Does God Take Pleasure in What We Do?

O. T. #1891  "Does God Take Pleasure in What We Do?"

March 1, 2021

Ezekiel 18-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

In this chapter, we read that each person is accountable to God for their own sin. They are not judged according to the sins of their father, as Judah thought. If a person is just then they shall live. (verses 5 and 19) We learned that the word just means lawful, righteous. And the just shall live by faith.(Romans 1:17) [McGee says that this is speaking about this life on earth during the exile, and not eternal life.] Live coocurs in some form 13 times in this chapter and die occurs 14 times.

So what is this just person of Judah like, what does he do? The answers are found in verses 5-9:

• They do that which is lawful and right. (verse 5) He walks in God's statues and keeps His ordinances.  Lawful means justice; divine law; ordinance; right; custom; ceremony. Right refers to rightness; justice; virtue. Doesn't it sound like this person obeys what laws, ordinances, ceremonies, and customs that God established for Israel to do towards Him and treats others right, just, and with virtue?
• He had not feast in the mountains before Israel's idols or worship them there. (verse 6)
• He did not commit adultery nor have sex with a woman on her period. (verse 6) 
• He was a merciful creditor, not keeping the items given as security by poor debtors. (verse 7)
• He did not rob the poor, but instead gave food to the hungry and provided clothes for the needy. (verse 7)
• He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, and is honest and fair when judging others. (verse 8)
• He faithfully obeys God's decrees and regulations. (verse 9)

What is the promise God made to this person that does these things that are just? He would let them live. Righteous people will be rewarded for their righteous behavior. Those Judean Jews would be a part of the remnant saved those 70 years of exile in Babylon, is my thinking.

Doesn't that list sound like how Jesus said for us believers to live? It is because we have the love of Jesus in our heart that we have compassion on others and help them. Are we?

LET IT GROW

The wicked people do not those things listed above. They have the opportunity to turn from all their transgressions and sinful ways, but do not turn. God did not have pleasure in them, so they died during this time.

So when we repent and turn from our sinful ways, God gives us a new heart and a new spirit; we live in Him here and now and for eternity. It can't get any better than that friend!

Does God take pleasure in what we do? Pleasure means to bend; to be pleased with; delight; favor; be (well) pleased. Friend, is God delighted in our character and in our deeds? Is He will pleased in our words? Something to think about.

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy. (Psalm 147:11)

For the LORD taketh pleasure in His people; He will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)

Having made known unto us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself. (Ephesians 1:9)

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power. (2 Thess. 1:11) 

LET IT GO

Father, will you bless all who read and study Your Word with me?

Will You make us worthy of Your calling as a believer in Jesus Christ?

Will You take good pleasure in giving us of Your goodness today?

Will You lead us in doing the work of faith with the power of the Holy Spirit?

We praise You and thank You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen