March 24, 2025 

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-20

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 29:1-30; Genesis 29:31-34:31; Mark 9:14-32

“And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, Thus have you said: ‘Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we rot away because of them. How then can we live?’ Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:10-11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

“Who are you to judge?” “Live and let live.” “Mind your own business!” How often have you heard these words when you repeat what the Bible says about sin and holiness? Often, when people feel accused or condemned by God’s Word, they challenge the person who shares God’s Word with them of being nosy or of trying to be the “holiness police.” Another way to say this might be that they say, “Who died and made you God?”

Well, no one. You aren’t God. Neither was the prophet Ezekiel. While Ezekiel isn’t God, God did send him as a watchman to warn the people of God. He calls people to repent, even when they complain that God isn’t fair. Those who make up their own rules of how the world should work complain that God isn’t fair to them. That’s hypocrisy! 

So, are you like the people who need to hear Ezekiel’s words, or are you like the prophet Ezekiel? The short answer is, “Yes!”  You need to be called to repentance. When you think you have it figured out, when you think that God isn’t fair, when you resent God’s Commandments; repent! The words of Ezekiel call you to turn from your sin so you aren’t destroyed. On the other hand, when those around you sin and you see it, you are called to lovingly present the word of the Lord to them. They might not like it. They might get angry at you. They might say that you’re “judgy” or trying to be the “holiness police.” But their behavior isn’t against you. It’s against God. God has called you to be salt in the world and a light on the hill that invites people to hear the Word that comes from the Lord. Share the Lord’s Word as a watchman who cares for your neighbor, not to bully them into living like you do, but so that they aren’t condemned forever but enjoy everlasting life with Jesus and with you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

If you cannot be a watchman, Standing high on Zion’s wall, Pointing out the path to heaven, Off’ring life and peace to all, With your prayers and with your bounties You can do what God commands; You can be like faithful Aaron, Holding up the prophet’s hands. (LSB 826:3)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!