Pharaoh laid to rest

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1870Ezekiel 32

The Egyptians had elaborate rituals and ceremonies, and built pyramids to equip and align (they thought) the bodies of their mighty ones just so that they could launch with pride into the next life.  Ezekiel tells the Pharaoh that the LORD is going to destroy them in battle, and they will have no such hope.  Instead they will go down to the pit in darkness and silence.  They will join all the other nations who dared to believe they were something.  The grave would show them who they really are. They will be laid to rest among the uncircumcised.  The only thing that matters at death is one’s relationship with the LORD, and the Pharaoh did not have one.

LORD, if you must, take away everything we trust.  But, give us a relationship with you.  That is the only thing that really matters.

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those who dominate

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1863Ezekiel 31

The LORD tells Ezekiel to remind Pharaoh that Assyria was once a mighty, dominating nation too.  It had been like a giant cedar tree.  It was so great and beautiful that all the trees in the Garden of Eden envied it.  Yet the LORD killed it, and brought it down to Sheol, the place of the dead.  It being punished with destruction brought comfort to all the nations that it had destroyed itself.  It had towered high above them, but the LORD brought it low in judgment.  The message was for Egypt, because their time had come.

LORD,  give us wisdom not to trust in towering greatness, because you judge those who dominate.  Give us humble faith.

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staff of reed

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1862Ezekiel 29-30

Egypt had proven to be an unreliable ally for Judah, and the LORD punished them by breaking their arms, so that they could not take up the sword against Babylon.  He strengthened the arms of Babylon, and placed his sword in his hands, to slaughter and scatter Egypt.  Egypt would be laid to waste for 40 years, and then their fortunes would be restored, but they would never again be the mighty empire that tempted God’s people to rely upon them, instead of their maker.

LORD, forgive us for relying upon the mighty empire, the staff of reed.

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rescued for holiness

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1859Ezekiel 28

Descriptions of the downfall of Tyre and Sidon serve as the settings for a precious promise.  While all her neighbors will suffer disaster and destruction, God’s people will be gathered from them and brought to a place of peace.  There, they will experience neither a brier to prick nor a thorn to hurt.  But there’s more.  The LORD intends to manifest his holiness in Israel in the sight of those neighbor nations.  That is what he wanted all along.

LORD, rescue us, and manifest your holiness in us.

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Titanic

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1857Ezekiel 27

Once known for her majesty and glory, the mighty ship Titanic is now known for the disaster which happened to her on the sea.  The same is true of Tyre.  She was a masterpiece of international trade.  But now she is a shipwreck, with all goods and all hands lost.  Her disappearance in the depths serves as a sign for all those who try to be something without God.  If all you want out of life is to leave a legacy of greatness, be warned that it can all go down in a moment. 

LORD, forgive us for trusting in our trade, instead of seeking you.

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many nations

Posted on October 5, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1833Ezekiel 26

Tyre assumed that Jerusalem’s bad fortune would give them breathing room, so they would prosper.  A remote neighbor to the north, they thought they could survive and thrive by ignoring Judah’s calamity.  Not so.  The LORD promised to inflict judgment upon Tyre with many nations.  That is what happened.  Numerous nations joined Nebuchadnezzar in attacking Tyre, and many other nations joined Alexander the Great, and later rulers in destroying it.  Although it was rebuilt many times, the small city of Tyre today is not located on the ruins of the old Tyre.  The nations joined together to bring the old Tyre to nothing.

LORD, forgive us for assuming that other people’s misfortune is not our business.

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partners in crime

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1829Ezekiel 25

Judah has taken the brunt of God’s judgment oracles from Ezekiel, but now it’s time for her partners in crime (her neighbor nations) to get theirs.  Each prediction of disaster is followed by something like “then they will know that I am the LORD.”  Emboldened by Judah’s attempt to be like all the other nations, they fanned the flames of her idolatry, violence and greed.  They will not escape.

LORD, by our actions, we are proclaiming to our neighbors who you are.  May we follow you in truth, and show them the truth. 

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the delight of your eyes

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1834Ezekiel 24

A corroded pot defiles everything in it, and bits are taken out indiscriminately, symbolizing those who die in the siege. Then, Ezekiel faces his greatest challenge.  The LORD tells him his wife will die, and he is not to show mourning!  What?  LORD, how can you require any such thing of your servant?  But wait, the LORD is suffering the same pain.  The delight of his eyes is suffering and dying before him. Yet he must remain aloof.

LORD, forgive us for questioning the sufferings faced by your servants.  We know that nothing we feel compare to what you feel.

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your sister’s cup

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1837Ezekiel 23

This is another one of those PG passages in Scripture.  It describes the judgment upon Jerusalem and the reason for it. Jerusalem lusted after the young studs of Babylon like her sister Samaria had lusted after the young studs of Assyria.  She had allowed herself to be used until that was all she was.  Like Samaria, it was now Jerusalem’s time to bear the penalty for her sinful idolatry. 

LORD, may our desire be for you and your word.  Purge from us the lust for other things. 

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all dross

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1833Ezekiel 22

The LORD looked for some shining example of moral purity and obedience to the covenant.  He found no silver – it was all dross.  They were all murderers, idolaters, inconsiderate, defiled,  lewd and greedy.  Therefore, the LORD will scatter them among the nations, getting rid of the dross.

LORD, help us to be the examples of moral purity that bring honor to your name.

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