November 11, 2026

“Or suppose I send a plague into that land and pour out my wrath on it with bloodshed to wipe out both people and animals from it. Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live”—the declaration of the Lord God—“they could not rescue their son or daughter. They would rescue only themselves by their righteousness.” – Ezekiel 14:19-20

Our righteousness is non-transferable. In Ezekiel chapter 14, as God talks to the prophet, he reminds him of the truth that, when judgement comes, only the righteous will be saved. Even if the most righteous men in history were living in a town, God says the evil town will be judged and only the righteous individuals will be saved. We can never forget the fact that God’s judgement is final and severe. No matter how vibrant your relationship with God is, that relationship will not rescue the ones around you.

So, how can they be rescued? They must be righteous themselves. Today we know that righteousness – right-standing before God – only comes through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22). So, if you want to see your friends, family, neighbors, and loved ones escape final judgement and be saved for all eternity, your relationship with God will not keep them from destruction. They must know him and stand justified before him themselves. Simply put, if they are going to live, they must know Jesus. Let that reality sink in today and fill you with a drive to preach the Gospel to all those around you.

Almighty God, thank You for the righteousness that only comes through Jesus Christ. Let us live at peace in ourselves knowing we have received that righteousness, but with a godly, urgent anticipation for those around us to come to a saving relationship with You.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon