41. The farmer sows many seeds and puts out many plants, but not all of them take root or come up at the right time. That's how it is with this world. Not everyone who has been placed in this world will be saved.”
42. Then I said, “Please let me speak.
43. The farmer's seed may not come up because you did not send rain at the right time, or it may be ruined by too much rain.
44. But people are different. You formed them with your own hands; you created them to be like you; and you made everything for their benefit. How can you compare them to a farmer's seed?
45. It's impossible, O Lord above! Spare the people who are your own. Have pity on them. Show your mercy to the people you have created.”
46. He answered, “The present is for those who live now, and the future for those who are to come.
47. You are certainly not able to love what I have created more than I do. Never again consider yourself among the unrighteous, as you have done so often.
48. Yet I am very pleased
49. that you have shown proper humility and not boasted by thinking of yourself as righteous.
50. The people of this world who have lived their lives in pride and arrogance will suffer many things in the last days.
51. But, Ezra, you should be thinking about the glory that is waiting for you and those like you.
52. For all of you, Paradise has been opened, the tree of life has been planted, the world to come has been made ready, all your needs have been provided, the heavenly city has been built, full rest from your labours has been offered, goodness and wisdom have been perfected.
53. The source of evil has been sealed off, so that it cannot reach you; all sickness has been removed, death has been taken away, hell is gone, and corruption has disappeared.