## Why will ye die?

## Ezekiel 33:11

In our text this morning we read that God is not pleased to see the wicked die, but rather His desire is to see them repent of their sin and turn to Him. We know that He has said that He is not willing that any should perish, but that all might come to repentance.

The prophet Ezekiel asked the question "Why will ye die?". It certainly isn't because God wants it that way. This morning we ask that same question to those who are without Christ. "Why will ye die?" There is no need, Christ took our place and died on Calvary that we might live! So why die?

Not long ago a tragic accident took place in New York City. Rose DiSanto, 52, was dragged to death by a subway train after her purse snagged between a train's closed doors and she refused to let go of it. The headline of the New York Daily News, October 7, 1992, read: "SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO DIE". The article went on to say that she might be alive today if three things had happened. I want to take those same three things and apply them to us today. There is no need for anyone to die and go to hell! It doesn't have to be!

I. She Might Be Alive Today If the Transit Authority Had Implemented Safety Recommendations.

A. Five years ago recommendations were made that were aimed at preventing passengers from being dragged to their deaths.

1. These were certainly needed.

2. This was not an isolated incident.

3. In the last two years there have been over 100 people dragged by subway trains with many resulting in serious injury.

B. Who is at fault here?

1. Certainly the Transit Authority should have been more concerned about passenger safety.

2. They have to bear some responsibility in this tragic situation.

3. They knew that there was a danger and they intended to do something about it, it just wasn't a high enough priority.

C. The application for us today.

1. We know that God's Word commands us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.

2. But is it really a priority for us?

3. Jesus said, "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." cf Jn. 4:35

4. Do you get the sense of urgency in the Savior's words?

5. We cannot afford to sit back and grow complacent in this matter...people are dying and going to hell!

II. She Might Be Alive Today If The Conductor Had Foreseen The Tragedy.

A. The newspaper article said this about the conductor.

1. "The conductor, whose name is not being released, looked up and down the rush hour train and saw no problems and signaled the motorman to proceed."

2. He just didn't look carefully enough.

3. Maybe he was in a hurry to get home himself...or maybe he had a rough day and was tired.

4. Whatever the reason, he failed to see the seriousness of her situation.

B. He is like many Christians today who simply fail to see the seriousness of hell for their friends and loved ones.

1. One day we will stand before God and give an account of what we have done and what we have failed to do.

2. If we have failed to warn the wicked of the consequences of their life we will be held accountable.

3. Note: Ezekiel 3:18

4. We have been given the message of eternal life, what will we do with it?

III. She Might Be Alive Today If She Had Listened To The Passengers' Screams.

A. Passengers on the train cried out for her to let go of her purse.

1. Rose DiSantos would not heed their cries.

2. She clung to her purse and was dragged 50 feet to her death.

3. The passengers stood by and watched her die as she ignored their cries.

B. Ultimately, she was responsible for her own death.

1. She didn't have to die!

2. She could have heeded the cries of the other passengers to let go of her purse and live.

3. But she chose to cling to it until her death.

C. What is keeping you from accepting Jesus Christ today?

1. Whatever it is, let it go!

2. Don't let it drag you down to hell.

3. Some are clinging to:

a. Their sinful life style...I don't want to give up this or that. (Lot's wife)

b. Their false hopes of religion... religion will send you to hell, you need to trust Jesus Christ!

c. Their material possessions...but what will it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?

This woman didn't have to die, and no one has to go to hell. Jesus made a way for us to escape that judgment and have eternal life. Trust Him today...don't wait, she delayed and was dragged to her death. Christian, awake from your sleep and see that this world is perishing. Don't allow anything to get in your way of seeing the seriousness of hell. People need the Lord and we are the only ones who can share the truth with them. God wants to save this world from sin's consequences. We must tell the lost about Christ!