"Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?" Sometimes people think that God is somehow out to get them. Embedded in the prophetic words of Ezekiel is this fundamental declaration of God's plan for humanity--its redemption. Although God will punish sin to vindicate his holiness and justice, God feels sorrow over the punishment and death of human beings created in his image so He endeavors to save them (see also 33:11). God certainly takes no pleasure in human beings dying in their sin and rebellion and being eternally separated from Him. And, in fact, the reality is the inverse--God takes pleasure in redeeming us so that we may spend eternity in fellowship with Him. God isn't out to get you--He's out to redeem you! Your salvation makes God happy!
