Not Wanting Anyone to Perish

In Ezekiel 12, the prophet spoke of judgment.

Verse 25 begins with a reminder of God’s omnipotence.

The Lord spoke.

And what the Lord spoke would be fulfilled.

Ezekiel 12:25 (NRSVue) - But I the Lord will speak the word that I speak, and it will be fulfilled. It will no longer be delayed, but in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and fulfill it, says the Lord God.”

The creation account in Genesis also attests to His spoken word.

Genesis 1:3 (NRSVue) - Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote of another time the Lord spoke.

This too was fulfilled.

Galatians 3:8 (NIV) - Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”

This was a promise God made.

This was also a promise kept.

Genesis 22:18 (NIV) - and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.

All peoples can be blessed, but they can only be blessed by God.

All peoples are created in the image of God.

At the end of the day, all peoples are children of God.

And God would have it that none should perish but come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, September 26, 2025.