Judgements Upon Nations 09.10.08

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Todat we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 29-32 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2029-32&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the invasion of Egypt by Babylon; the warning of Egypt by the fall of Assyria; the lamentation over Egypt. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God is in control of all the earth and whether we accept it or not war is the Will of God. We need to let God who directs the affairs of nations guide us by His Word.

Since the Exodus, Egypt had grown into a great nation, they knew the power of the One True God, however they still failed to put away their idols and worship Him. About a year after Babylon had invaded Jerusalem God warned them through Ezekiel. "Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt: Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself........And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. " (Ezekiel 29:2-3,12).

Although Egypt would not have great power over the world, it was not to be destroyed as Jerusalem was nor Babylon would be. Ezekiel foretold, "Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered: And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom. It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations." (29:13-15). Egypt never regained the power it had then, even today it remains the same. Egypt stands as a witness to the supreme authority of God over all nations and no matter how many reject the One True God, He is in control.

Over the centuries, God brought judgement upon Israel, Judah, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt, Babylon, as well as many other nations, even the US has faced judgement since it's discovery. It's easy for the world to put the blame on other nations and to say that they are the ones who have control, but sooner or later all realize that God says, "I am the LORD". "And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the LORD:" (29:9a). The phrase "I am the LORD" is mentioned 66 times in this book alone to point out the importance of realizing that God is on control and that we need to obey His Word.

A future time of redemption and restoration was also foretold, "In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD." (29:21). The horn is a symbol of power, "The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed." (I Samuel 2:10).

As prophesied, the people of God, both Jew and Gentile, have a future destiny of glory with Jesus as their Messiah. "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God." (Romans 2:7-11).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the prophets by the Word of the Lord (Ezekiel 29:1). Jesus is the great prophet who revealed to us His death, burial and resurrection as well as His second coming.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I know that contentment with godliness is of great benefit. It brings about a lasting peace and grateful heart that only You can give. Help me not to focus so much on the world and it's material possessions that I lose sight of that which is of vital importance. May the character of my soul and the fruit of my actions be of much greater importance than the perishable goods that capture my attention. I look to You for proper balance in the things You have blessed me with and the attitude in which I receive these good things from Your hands. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great and mighty day!
God Bless,
Christina

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