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God First, Man Second: New Year's Edition



Well, happy New Year to those willing to read another year of my blog. (See how I assume that you'll read it all year?) I hope you will. I have some new ideas for posting themes that I will be working on, in an effort to increase our interactions here on the blog. 

 But one series I'll be continuing starts today. It's God First, Man Second. Every Monday, I'll post a scripture and answer the following questions in the following order. What does this say about God? What does this say about man? I believe the order is important because asking who man is first can get us wrong answers. 

 Alright, on with it...
“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live! Ezekiel 18:30-32

 What does this say about God? We see that God is the judge, but more importantly, we see that God is not a vindictive judge, looking to smite people just because He can. He is encouraging the people, including us, to change our ways. We're told sin equals death, but that God doesn't take pleasure in death. 

 That's good news, because the prospect doesn't sound enticing to me either.

 So, what about us? The best news for us is that we can receive a new heart and spirit. It's not something we will earn or purchase or work hard for. If that were the way it was done, believe me, I'd have done it by now. I tend to be goals oriented. 

 The doing focus for us here is more of simple repentance. In case it doesn't seem simple to you, consider the options. Die in your sins, to your heart's content. Or get a new heart by changing your ways. Sounds like a no-brainer. 

 I'm not a big resolution guy, but maybe the New Year helps you focus. If so, what's your resolution? Any chance putting God first will help you accomplish that goal?
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