The message of Ezekiel is on repeat… God does not want to be misunderstood. He patently tells all people what they need to hear and why. I think He is just as patient today with me…I wish I didn’t need the message to be on repeat, but I clearly don’t learn the first time.
As God is working through the punishment of His people’s enemies, it is interesting that for Egypt, destruction is not the end. His plan it to return them to their land but prevent them from thriving and domination of their past. He cares for His enemies and His people.
Four times in as many verses, God provides rationale for his punishment of these nations. Throughout the entire book this phrase is repeated- “they will know I am the LoRD”. This is a God who wants us to know Him…He wants everyone to know Him! His children, His nation, their enemies, those who hate Him…His desire is that we all know Him and surrender to His Love.
Tyre as a nation was strong, powerful and literally had everything. Their strength came from trade and diversity because they had tamed the fierce sea…it finally swallowed them, all their riches and their pride. All that made them great became their downfall. We are no different…the things that make us proud pull us away from Jesus only to drive us to destruction.
Lord, help me to pursue You rather than glory, chase humility over pride and Your will over mine!
It is amazing to see that God is so personally invested in the punishment and destruction of this nation that was so opportunistic in considering the downfall of Jerusalem. It doesn’t seem like such a worthy offense…yet it communicates Gods care for His people…and He is just as jealous for us today!
God is punishing these four nations for participating in the destruction of Israel…and His motive all along is for them to know Him. Lord, You so clearly desire that we all know You and what a privilege it is, help me to lean into that each day!
God has a claim on everything in our lives and is able to use anything and everything to help us to see and understand who He is. Tragically, Ezekiel’s wife dies and God uses it as a lesson for all His people…and Ezekiel has no say. Yet through His suffering, He knows that God is with Him and is using him. Lord, help me to see You just as clearly and have confidence in You!!!
